CN109068430A

CN109068430A - The microwave heating system and its application method of enhancing

Info

Publication number: CN109068430A
Application number: CN201810498222.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: H·D·小凯米瑞; G·E·卡宁汉姆
Original assignee: Microwave Materials Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Microwave Materials Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2012-03-14
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2018-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-13
Also published as: AU2017201469A1; CN104782226B; CA2867301A1; AU2017201469B2; ES2812788T3; CA3130845A1; EP2866518A1; AU2017201477A1; ES2623852T3; EP2826337A1; EP3300456A1; AU2013232141B2; ES2623907T3; CN104782226A; IL234581B; EP2826337B1; EP2866518B1; CA3130845C; MX342586B; JP6553141B2

Abstract

The application discloses the microwave heating system and its application method of a kind of enhancing, and the method for providing the enhancing microwave heating system for heating multiple articles and using the system.In one embodiment, microwave heating system may include the heating room of pressurization or liquid filling, which is configured to heat the article being conveyed there through along one or more conveying circuit using the microwave energy discharged by one or more microwave emitters.The microwave heating system and process of embodiment according to the present invention can be applied to commercial-scale heating system and can be used for the pasteurize and/or disinfection of food, medical fluid and medical instrument.

Description

The microwave heating system and its application method of enhancing

The application is entitled " microwave heating system and its application method of enhancing " submitted on March 13rd, 2013 The divisional application of Chinese patent application 201380019360.X.

Technical field

The present invention relates to for heating one or more objects, article and/or the microwave system of load.

Background technique

Electromagnetic radiation such as microwave radiation is a kind of mechanisms known for object transfer energy.Electromagnetic radiation is with quick The ability for penetrating and heating object with effective mode is proved to be advantageous during many chemical industries.Due to Its ability for quickly and thoroughly heating article, microwave energy have been used in the heating process that expectation fast implements regulation minimum temperature In, such as in pasteurize and/or disinfecting process.Further, because microwave energy is usually Noninvasive, microwave heating It is particularly useful for the dielectric material such as food and drug of heating " sensitivity ".But, so far, especially in commercial scale The complexity and nuance of upper safety and effective applied microwave energy seriously limit it in the industrial process of a few types In application.

Accordingly, there exist be suitble to efficient, reliable and high performance-price ratio the industry used in various processes and application The demand of scale microwave heating system.

Summary of the invention

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes being configured to connect Receive the microwave office of article, and the transportation system for article to be carried through to microwave office along transport axis.The system further includes First microwave emitter is configured to travel to microwave energy in the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis, wherein extremely Few 2 ° of the first transmitting inclination angle is limited at the first center transmitting axis and perpendicular between the plane of the transport axis.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes being configured to Receive the microwave office of article, and the transportation system for article to be carried through to the microwave office along transport axis.The system is also Include: the first microwave emitter, limits and be open for microwave energy to be discharged at least one indoor transmitting of microwave；With set Set the basic microwave window between the microwave office and transmitting opening.The window shows a part for limiting the microwave office Room side surface, and at least the 50% of the total surface area of the room side surface of the window is oriented with horizontal plane at least 2 ° Angle.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the mistake Journey is comprising steps of multiple articles are transported through microwave heating chamber via transportation system by (a), wherein at least portion of the microwave heating chamber Divide and is filled with liquid medium；(b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；(c) micro- via at least one At least part of microwave energy is introduced into the microwave office by wave launcher, wherein the microwave energy being introduced into the microwave office At least part is discharged at least 2 ° of transmitting inclination angle；(d) using at least one of the microwave energy being discharged into microwave office Divide article of the heating in the microwave heating chamber.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes for generating tool There is the microwave generator of the microwave energy of main wavelength (λ), for the transportation system and first along transport axis conveying article Microwave emitter, first microwave emitter send out at least part of microwave energy towards the article conveyed by the transportation system It penetrates.First microwave emitter limits at least one transmitting opening, which has width (W₁) and depth (D₁), wherein W₁Greater than depth D₁, wherein D₁No more than 0.625 λ.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes for generating The microwave generator of microwave energy with main wavelength (λ) is configured to receive the microwave office of article, and for that will come from At least part of the microwave energy of microwave generator is directed to the microwave distribution system of the microwave office.The microwave distribution system packet Include the first microwave emitter.First microwave emitter limits at least part of microwave entrance for receiving microwave energy, And for microwave energy to be discharged at least one of microwave office transmitting opening.The microwave entrance has depth (d₀), And transmitting opening has depth (d₁)。d₀Greater than d₁。

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes being configured to The microwave office for receiving article, for article to be carried through to the transportation system and the first microwave of the microwave office along transport axis Transmitter, first microwave emitter limit microwave entrance and be configured to be discharged into microwave energy in the microwave office two Or more transmitting opening.The central point of neighbouring transmitting opening is distanced from one another cross relative to the transport axis.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to microwave emitter comprising receives the micro- of the microwave energy with wavelength (λ) Wave entrance, at least one at least part of transmitting for discharging microwave energy is open, and limits microwave in-between and lead to The opposite transmitter end wall of a pair on road and a pair of opposite transmitter side wall.The microwave access is configured to permit from microwave The transmission for the microwave energy that mouth is open to transmitting.The transmitter further includes accordingly being coupled to a pair of end walls and inwardly prolonging from the end wall A pair of of the induction type diaphragm panel stretched.Each induction type diaphragm faceplate part extends in microwave access, in induction type diaphragm Induction type diaphragm is limited between panel, at least part for being transmitted to the microwave energy of transmitting opening from microwave entrance can pass through The induction type diaphragm.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes for generating The microwave generator of microwave energy with wavelength (λ), is configured to receive the microwave office of article, for along transport axis by object Product conveying passes through the transportation system of the microwave office, and at least part of the microwave energy from microwave generator is directed to The microwave distribution system of the microwave office.The microwave distribution system include: by least part of microwave energy be divided into two or More first microwave separators of independent sector, and at least a pair of of microwave emitter, each microwave emitter limit microwave and enter Mouthful and for by microwave energy be discharged into microwave it is indoor at least one transmitting be open.The microwave distribution system further comprises setting Set the first induction between the transmitting opening of a microwave emitter in the first microwave separator and the microwave emitter Formula diaphragm.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process The following steps are included: multiple articles are transported through microwave heating chamber along the one or more strip transmission line roads of transportation system by (a)； (b) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；(c) at least part of microwave energy is divided into two A or more independent sector；(d) partial discharge of microwave energy is added to microwave via two or more microwave emitters In hot cell；(e) after the partiting step (c) and before drain steps (d), at least part of microwave energy is transported through the One induction type diaphragm；(f) it is heated in the microwave heating chamber using at least part for the microwave energy being emitted in microwave office Article.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the method for controlling microwave heating system, method includes the following steps: (a) microwave energy is generated using one or more microwave generators；(b) multiple articles are transported through via transportation system and is filled out The microwave office of water-filling；(c) at least part of microwave energy is directed to microwave office via one or more microwave emitters In, to heat at least part of the article；(d) during at least part of step (a) to (c), one or more is determined The value of multiple microwave system parameters, to provide the parameter value of at least one determination；(e) by determining parameter value and corresponding mesh Mark parameter value compares, to determine difference；(f) it is based on the difference, is taken action to microwave heating system.It is one or more micro- Wave the system parameter temperature of water, water in net microwave power, microwave office pass through the flow velocity and transportation system speed of microwave office.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the method for controlling microwave heating system, method includes the following steps: (a) Microwave energy is generated at least one microwave generator；(b) at least part of microwave energy is transported through into first wave guide section； (c) at least part of the microwave energy from first wave guide section is discharged into microwave office via at least one microwave emitter In, to heat multiple articles；(d) net power first discharged from microwave emitter is determined using first pair of directional coupler Value；(e) the net power second value discharged from microwave emitter is determined using second pair of directional coupler, wherein first pair and second It is independent of one another to directional coupler；(f) compare the first value and second value to determine the first difference；(g) when the difference is greater than in advance When quantitative, take action to microwave heating system.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the variable phase short-circuiting means for microwave heating system.The device includes limit The fixed part and rotating part of fixed first general rectangular opening, the rotating part include outer cover and be contained in the outer cover it is multiple every The substantially parallel plate opened.The outer cover includes the first and second opposite ends, and first end is limited adjacent to fixed part First opening second opening.Each plate is coupled to the second end of outer cover, and generally towards the first and second openings Extend.Rotating part is configured on the rotation axis for extending through the first and second openings rotate relative to fixed part.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the method for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, this method The following steps are included: article is transported through the heating zone of microwave office via transportation system by (a), wherein each article is in the heating Article residence time (τ) is kept in area；(b) microwave energy is generated with one or more microwave generators；(c) by microwave energy At least part transport through phase shifting equipment, which is configured to phase shift rate (t) the cyclic shift microwave energy Phase；(d) at least part for the microwave energy being discharged from the phase shifting equipment is discharged via at least one microwave emitter Into the heating zone；(e) article in heating zone is heated at least part for being emitted on microwave energy therein, The ratio (τ: t) of middle article residence time and phase shift rate is at least 4:1.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes micro- for generating At least one microwave generator of wave energy, microwave office, transportation system and general for article conveying to be passed through to the microwave office At least part of microwave energy from microwave generator is directed to the microwave distribution system of the microwave office.Microwave distribution system System includes at least three microwave distributors for microwave energy to be divided at least three independent sectors.Microwave distribution system System further comprises at least three microwave emitters for being discharged into the independent sector of microwave energy in the microwave office.Each Microwave distributor is configured to divide microwave energy according to scheduled power ratio, wherein in the microwave distributor at least The predetermined power ratio of one microwave distributor is not 1:1.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to heating the process of multiple articles using microwave energy comprising following step It is rapid: the primary quantity of microwave power (a) being introduced into microwave distributing manifold；(b) use microwave distributing manifold by the initial of microwave power Amount is divided into the first transmitting microwave component and the first distribution microwave component, wherein the first transmitting microwave component and the first distribution microwave The power ratio of component is not 1:1；(c) the first distribution microwave component is divided into the second transmitting microwave using microwave distributing manifold Component and the second distribution microwave component；(d) the first transmitting microwave component is introduced into microwave heating chamber via the first microwave emitter In；(e) the second transmitting microwave component is introduced into microwave heating chamber via the second microwave emitter.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the continuous process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the mistake Journey is the following steps are included: (a) thermalization article in thermalization range, to provide multiple thermalization objects with generally uniform temperature Product；(b) the thermalization article is heated in microwave heating area, thus make at least 50 DEG C of mean temperature increase of each article, wherein plus At least part of heat is carried out at least 25 DEG C rates of heat addition per minute；(c) the cooling article heated in chilling area.Object Product transport through each of thermalization range, microwave heating area and chilling area via one or more transportation systems, wherein microwave Heating system has every strip transmission line road at least 20 gross production rates packed per minute.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the microwave system for heating multiple articles.The system includes for by object Product thermalization to substantially uniform temperature thermalization room, be arranged on microwave of the thermalization room downstream for heating the article through thermalization and add Hot cell and the microwave heating chamber downstream is arranged on for heated article to be cooled to the quench chamber of lower temperature.This is micro- Wave heating room is configured at least 50 DEG C of the mean temperature increase of article at least 25 DEG C of rates of heat addition per minute.The system Including at least one transportation system, it is configured to for article to be carried through thermalization room, microwave heating chamber and the quench chamber.This is micro- Wave system system is configured to realize every strip transmission line road at least 20 total throughput rates packed per minute.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process packet It includes following steps: article (a) is transported through to via transportation system the microwave office of pressurization, wherein the microwave office is at least partly filled out Filled with liquid medium；(b) microwave energy is generated via one or more microwave generators；(c) via one or more micro- At least part of microwave energy is introduced into the microwave office by wave launcher；(d) using the microwave energy being introduced in microwave office At least part of amount heats the article in the microwave office；(e) during at least part of heating stepses (d), agitation In the indoor at least part liquid medium of the microwave, wherein the agitation is included at the indoor multiple positions of the microwave towards object Product discharge multiple fluid jets.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process The following steps are included: (a) thermalization article in the thermalization room at least partly filling liquid medium, so that generating has substantially The thermalization article of even temperature；(b) the thermalization article is heated in microwave office.It is indoor more that thermalization step (a) is included in thermalization Towards multiple jet streams of article discharge liquid medium at a position.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to locking brake gear comprising: show opposite sealing surfaces and described A pair of lock reception space fixing component spaced apart is limited between sealing surfaces, wherein each fixing component is limited by described close The flow-through opening (flow-through opening) for sealing the sealing surfaces limitation in surface, wherein the flow-through opening is big Cause is in alignment with each other；And gate assembly, the closed position of gate assembly flow-through opening described in the gate assembly primary stricture and the lock Component does not block substantially between the open position of the flow-through opening to be moved in lock reception space.The gate assembly includes a pair Sealing plate spaced apart and the drive member being arranged between the sealing plate, wherein when the gate assembly is in the closed position, it should Drive member is moveable between retracted position and extended position relative to the sealing plate.The gate assembly further comprises setting At least a pair of bearings between the sealing plate is set, wherein movement of the drive member from retracted position to extended position promotes The bearing oppresses the sealing plate away from each other and enters sealing station, and the sealing plate engages opposite sealing in the sealing station Surface, wherein movement of the drive member from extended position to retracted position allows the sealing plate to retract toward each other and enter Unsealed position, the sealing plate is detached from opposite sealing surfaces in the unsealed position.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the method for moving one or more articles in compression system, should Method is the following steps are included: one or more articles are transmitted to second from the first pressurized treatments area by flow-through opening by (a) Pressurized treatments area；(b) a pair of of movable panel is displaced in the opening；(c) the mobile plate makes it away from each other, to support The opposite sealing surfaces of a pair by least partly limiting the opening seal the plate, wherein the pair of sealing plate substantially incite somebody to action First and second treatment region is isolated from each other；(d) at least pressure difference of 15psig is generated in the pair of sealing board ends；(e) subtract At least one treatment region in the first and second treatment regions is pressed, with the pressure of balanced the pair of sealing board ends；(f) make described Plate moves towards each other, to make the plate from sealing surfaces depressurization；(g) the pair of plate is removed into the opening；(h) Article is moved back to the first treatment region from second processing area by the flow-through opening and/or is inserted into new article by the flow-through opening Into second processing area.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the microwave heating system for heating multiple articles.The system includes that liquid is filled out The thermalization room filled is configured to operate in the microwave office of the liquid filling under pressure more higher than the pressure of thermalization room, Yi Jishe Set the pressure locking system between the thermalization room and microwave office.The pressure locking system includes pressure control chamber, the first locking Gate valve and the second locking gate valve, wherein the first locking gate valve is coupled between the thermalization room and pressure control chamber, Described in second locking gate valve be coupled between the pressure control chamber and microwave office.

Another embodiment of the invention is related to the process for heating multiple articles in microwave heating system, the process It include: the thermalization range that multiple articles are transported through liquid filling by (a), to provide multiple thermalization articles；It (b) will at least one Point thermalization article introduces pressure and adjusts area, wherein pressure adjustment area be at least partly limited at the first and second locking gate valves it Between, wherein the first locking gate valve is in the first open position during at least part of the introducing；(c) thermalization article After being introduced into pressure adjustment area, the first locking gate valve is displaced to the first closed position from the first open position, to make this Pressure adjustment area is substantially isolated with thermalization range；(d) the second locking gate valve is displaced to the second open position from the second closed position, To allow article to be transported to the microwave heating area that liquid is filled from pressure adjustment area；(e) in article from the pressure tune After main plot removes, the second locking gate valve is moved back into the second closed position from the second open position, so that the pressure tune be isolated again Main plot and microwave heating area.

One embodiment of the present of invention is related to the method for heating multiple articles, method includes the following steps: (a) When the first test article to be carried through to the small microwave room of the water filling with total internal capacity less than 50 cubic feet, The first test article is heated in small microwave heating system, wherein at least part of heating stepses (a) uses microwave energy It completes；(b) heating stepses (a) are based on, determine the first regulation heating curves, wherein the regulation heating curves includes one or more At least one value of a microwave system parameter, one or more microwave system parameter are net in the room selected from being discharged into Power, the distribution of continuous microwave power, the mean temperature of water in microwave office, in microwave office the flow velocity of water and article in microwave office Residence time；(c) it fills out the first commercial good is carried through the water at least 250 cubic feet of total internal capacity When the large-scale microwave office filled, multiple first commercial goods are heated in large-scale microwave heating system.At least the one of heating stepses (c) Part completed by using microwave energy, wherein each first commercial good in terms of size and composition with the first tester Product are substantially similar, and wherein heating stepses (c) are controlled according to the first regulation heating curves determined in step (b).

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 a is the process stream of the one embodiment for describing the microwave heating system for heating one or more articles Cheng Tu, especially shows and is including thermalization range, microwave heating area, optional holding area, chilling area and a pair of of pressure adjustment area System；

Fig. 1 b shows the schematic diagram of the microwave heating system 10 configured according to one embodiment of present invention, is especially scheming The each area for the microwave heating system 10 summarized in the schematic diagram provided in 1a；

Fig. 2 a is the section view signal end view of the process container configured according to one embodiment of present invention, specifically shown Including the transportation system to be arranged side-by-side a pair of of conveying circuit of arrangement；

Fig. 2 b be in fig. 2 a shown in process container schematic top cross-sectional view, it is opposite that conveying circuit is especially shown In being arranged laterally at a spacing for the transport axis extended through the container；

Fig. 2 c is the section view signal end view of another process container configured according to another embodiment of the invention, Specifically shown includes with the transportation system of a pair of of conveying circuit of stack arrangement arrangement；

Fig. 2 d is the schematic cross sectional side view of the process container shown in figure 2 c, and it is opposite especially to show conveying circuit It is arranged in the perpendicular separation of the transport axis extended through container；

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, which is configured to fixed and transports Send the article that process container heating is filled by liquid；

Fig. 4 a shows the partial side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the microwave heating system including pressure adjustment area, the pressure Power adjustment area is configured to be transported to one or more articles from the thermalization range of heating system using carrier transportation system Microwave heating area；

Fig. 4 b is analogous to another embodiment of the microwave heating system including pressure adjustment area shown by Fig. 4 a Partial side cross-sectional view, but the specifically shown carrier transportation system being disposed almost completely in pressure adjustment area；

Fig. 4 c is analogous to the partial schematic diagram in the adjustment of the pressure shown in Fig. 4 a and 4b area, but shows for by article Another embodiment of the carrier transportation system in microwave heating area is moved to from thermalization range；

Fig. 4 d is analogous to the partial schematic diagram in the adjustment of the pressure shown in Fig. 4 a and 4b area, but shows for by article Another embodiment of the carrier transportation system in microwave heating area is moved to from thermalization range；

Fig. 5 a is the partial side cross-sectional view of the locking brake gear configured according to one embodiment of present invention, is especially shown Gate assembly in an open position out；

Fig. 5 b is the partial side cross-sectional view of the locking brake gear shown in fig 5 a, especially shows sealing plate and is in contracting Gate assembly in the closed position when return is set；

Fig. 5 c is the partial side cross-sectional view of the locking brake gear shown in Fig. 5 a and in figure 5b, especially shows sealing Plate is in gate assembly in the closed position when extended position；

Fig. 5 d is the magnified partial view of the gate assembly shown in Fig. 5 a-c, is especially shown for moving the close of gate assembly One embodiment of the bearing of sealing plate；

Fig. 6 a is the schematic section side sectional view in the microwave heating area configured according to one embodiment of present invention, special It is not that heating container and microwave distribution system are shown；

Fig. 6 b is the schematic top view in the microwave heating area configured according to one embodiment of present invention, is especially shown Out using a kind of configuration of the microwave emitter in the heating system of multi-line transportation system；

Fig. 6 c is the schematic side elevational view in the microwave heating area shown in figure 6b, especially shows and is configured to heat Along one group of microwave emitter of the article of conveying circuit transmission；

Fig. 7 a is the partial side cross-sectional view in the microwave heating area configured according to one embodiment of present invention, is especially shown Inclined microwave emitter represented by term " transmitting inclination angle " (β) out；

Fig. 7 b is the partial side cross-sectional view of another embodiment in microwave heating area, is especially shown including multiple inclinations The microwave distribution system of transmitter；

Fig. 8 a shows the part amplification side sectional view of a part in microwave heating area, especially shows positioned at heating zone One embodiment of microwave window near the exhaust openings of at least one microwave emitter；

Fig. 8 b is the part amplification side sectional view of a part in microwave heating area, is especially shown positioned at heating zone extremely Another embodiment of microwave window near the exhaust openings of a few microwave emitter；

Fig. 8 c is the part amplification side sectional view of a part in microwave heating area, is especially shown positioned at heating zone extremely Another embodiment of microwave window near the exhaust openings of a few microwave emitter；

Fig. 9 a shows the isometric view of the microwave emitter configured according to one embodiment of present invention；

Fig. 9 b is the longitudinal side view of the microwave emitter shown in fig. 9 a；

Fig. 9 c is the end view of the microwave emitter shown in figures 9 a and 9b, especially shows and exports with trumpet type Transmitter；

Fig. 9 d is the end view of another embodiment of the microwave emitter substantially shown in figures 9 a and 9b, especially The transmitter of entrance and exit with about the same size is shown；

Fig. 9 e is the end view of another embodiment of the microwave emitter substantially shown in figures 9 a and 9b, especially Transmitter with conical outlet is shown；

Figure 10 a is the isometric view of another microwave emitter configured according to one embodiment of present invention, especially Transmitter including single microwave entrance and the outlet of multiple microwaves is shown；

Figure 10 b is the vertical sectional view of the microwave emitter shown in figure loa, especially shows multiple microwave outlets；

Figure 10 c is the vertical sectional view of the microwave emitter shown in 10a and 10b, is especially shown in microwave A pair of of separation membrane of independent microwave access is created between the entrance of transmitter and multiple outlets；

Figure 11 a is the isometric view of the microwave emitter configured according to still another embodiment of the invention, is especially shown Integrated induction formula diaphragm (inductive iris) between the entrance of transmitter and outlet is set；

Figure 11 b is the horizontal cross of the microwave emitter shown in fig. 11 a；

Figure 11 c is analogous to the horizontal cross of another microwave emitter of the transmitter shown in fig. 11 a, still It further include a pair of of separation membrane other than the induction type diaphragm being arranged between the entrance of transmitter and outlet；

Figure 12 a is the side sectional view of the phase shifting equipment configured according to one embodiment of present invention, especially shows packet Include the plunger type tuner of single single plunger；

Figure 12 b is the schematic cross sectional side view of the phase shifting equipment configured according to another embodiment of the invention, especially It is that the plunger type tuner including by common rotatable shaft-driven multiple plungers is shown；

Figure 13 a is the side perspective view of the phase shifting equipment configured according to still another embodiment of the invention, is especially shown Rotatable phase shifting equipment；

Figure 13 b is the longitudinal sectional view of the rotatable phase shifting equipment shown in Figure 13 a；

Figure 13 c is the transverse sectional view of the rotatable portion of the rotatable phase shifting equipment shown in Figure 13 a and 13b, especially It is the width and spacing for showing the plate being arranged in outer cover；

Figure 13 d is the transverse sectional view of the fixed part of the rotatable phase shifting equipment shown in Figure 13 a and 13b, especially The size of the fixed part is shown；

Figure 13 e is the side sectional view of the rotatable phase shifting equipment configured according to another embodiment of the invention, especially It is that the drive system including rotating crankshaft component is shown；

Figure 13 f is the side sectional view of the rotatable phase shifting equipment configured according to still another embodiment of the invention, especially It is that the drive system including one group of compressed spring is shown；

Figure 14 a is utilized for the schematic of the microwave distribution system of phase shift and/or two impedance-tumed phase shifting equipments Partial side cross-sectional view；

Figure 14 b is the schematic section side, sectional of the microwave heating container configured according to one embodiment of present invention Figure, especially shows the phase shifting equipment for being coupled to container as frequency tuner；

Figure 15 a is the schematic section side sectional view of a part of microwave heating system, is especially shown including multiple The thermalization range of fluid jet blender；

Figure 15 b is analogous to the thermalization range end view of the thermalization range shown in fig. 15 a, especially shows and is circumferentially pacified Set one embodiment of the fluid jet blender in thermalization range；

Figure 16 be indicate to be related to include one embodiment of the present of invention control microwave system method in key step Flow chart；

Figure 17 is to indicate to be included in for determining from least one directional coupler/coupler by using two pairs or more The flow chart of key step in the method for the net power of a microwave emitter discharge；And

Figure 18 be it is according to an embodiment of the invention be inserted into test bag with determine the packet minimum temperature with For determining the isometric view of the position of the thermocouple of the heating curves of article.

Specific embodiment

The microwave process and system that each embodiment according to the present invention is used to heat multiple articles will be described below.It wants The example of the appropriate articles heated in system of the invention and in the process can include but is not limited to food, medical fluid and Medical treatment device Tool.In one embodiment, microwave system described herein can be used for the pasteurize and/or disinfection of heated.? Under normal circumstances, pasteurize include one or more articles are heated rapidly to it is minimum between 80 DEG C and 100 DEG C Temperature, while sterilizing includes the minimum temperature being heated to one or more articles between 100 DEG C and 140 DEG C.But, In one embodiment, pasteurize and disinfection can be carried out simultaneously or almost simultaneously, and many processes and system can be by It is configured to one or more articles not only pasteurize but also sterilizes.It is discussed in detail now with reference to attached drawing and is configured to heat one Each embodiment of the microwave system and process of kind or multiple types article.

Fig. 1 a and 1b are turned now to, the key step in microwave heating process according to an embodiment of the invention is shown Meaning property indicates to describe in fig 1 a, and Fig. 1 b description can operate the microwave for heating multiple articles according to the process summarized in fig 1 a One embodiment of system 10.As seen in figure la and lb, one or more articles can be initially introduced thermalization range 12, at this Article can be by thermalization to substantially uniform temperature in thermalization range.After thermalization, article be introduced into microwave heating area 16 it Before, it optional can then be transmitted through pressure adjustment area 14a.In microwave heating area 16, article can be by one or more A microwave emitter (transmitter 18 usually as shown in Figure 1b) is micro- at least part heating zone using being discharged into Wave energy quickly heats.Then, the article after heating can optionally be transmitted through holding area 20, and article is in the holding area 20 Specified time amount can be kept with stationary temperature.Then, which is then transferred to chilling area 22, in this zone article Temperature can be quickly reduced suitable treatment temperature.Hereafter, article after cooling can go forward side by side from the removal of system 10 Before one step utilizes, it is optionally transmitted through second pressure adjustment area 14b.

Microwave system 10 may be configured to heat many different types of articles.In one embodiment, in microwave system The article heated in system 10 may include food, such as the meal of water fruits and vegetables, meat, wheaten food, well in advance, or even drink Material.In other embodiments, the article heated in microwave system 10 may include packaged medical fluid or medical treatment and/or dentistry Instrument.The article handled in microwave heating system 10 can be any suitable size and shape.In one embodiment, often A article can have at least about 2 inches, at least about 4 inches, at least about 6 inches and/or no more than about 18 inches, no more than about 12 inches or no more than about 10 inches of length (longest dimension)；At least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inches, at least about 4 inches and/ Or no more than about 12 inches, no more than about 10 inches or no more than about 8 inches of width (the second longest dimension)；And/or at least About 0.5 inch, at least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inches and/or no more than about 8 inches, no more than about 6 inches or no more than about 4 The depth (shortest dimension) of inch.The article may include the independent commodity or packet usually with rectangle or quasi- prism shape Dress, or may include the continuous net of the connection commodity transmitted by microwave system 10 or packaging.Commodity or packaging can be by including Plastics, any material of cellulose and other permeation resistances are constituted, and can be passed via one or more transportation systems It send through microwave system 10, the embodiment of transportation system will be described in detail below.

According to one embodiment of present invention, above-mentioned thermalization, 12,16,20 and of microwave heating, holding and/or chilling area 22 can be limited in single container usually as shown in Figure 1 b, and in another embodiment, in the above-mentioned stage at least One stage can be limited in one or more independent containers.According to one embodiment, in above-mentioned steps at least one A step can execute in the container at least partly filling fluid media (medium), and article being processed can be at least partly immersed Not in the fluid media (medium).The fluid media (medium) can be the gas or liquid that dielectric constant is greater than dielectric constant of air, one In a embodiment, which can be the liquid with the dielectric constant similar with the dielectric constant of article being processed and is situated between Matter.Water (or liquid medium including water) can be particularly suitable for the edible and/or medical device of heating or the system of article.? In one embodiment, if necessary, during processing, such as additive of oil, ethyl alcohol, ethylene glycol and salt can Selection of land is added in the liquid medium, to change or reinforce its physical characteristic (for example, boiling point).

Microwave system 10 may include at least one for passing through above-mentioned one or more treatment regions for conveying articles Transportation system (is not shown in Fig. 1 a and 1b).The example of suitable transportation system can include but is not limited to plastics or rubber strip is defeated Send machine, chain-linked conveyer, roller conveyer, bending/flexibility or more bendings/more flexible conveyers, silk screen conveyer, bucket type conveying Machine, air conveyer, screw conveyor, slot or jigging conveyer and combinations thereof.The transportation system may include any amount of Independent conveying circuit, and can be disposed in process container in any suitable manner.It is utilized by microwave system 10 defeated Send system usually and can be configured at least part of substantially fixed position or the system in container can be lateral or vertical Histogram is to being adjustable.

Fig. 2 a-2d is turned now to, the embodiment of process container 120 is provided, wherein process container 120 includes being disposed therein Transportation system 110.In the one embodiment being generally illustrated in Fig. 2 a and Fig. 2 b, transportation system 110 includes with substantially simultaneously deploying Set a pair of of the lateral separation being placed in container 120, substantially parallel conveying circuit 112,114.Such as container 120 in Fig. 2 b Shown in top cross-sectional view, conveying circuit 112 and 114 can distanced from one another cross and being placed in conveying axis 122 two Side, conveying axis 122 are extended with the conveying direction for transporting through article along the length of container 120.Although conveying circuit 112,114 exists It is illustrated in Fig. 2 a in container 120 in identical vertical height, but it is to be understood that in one embodiment, pipeline Road 112,114 can also be placed in different vertical heights.In addition, the transportation system 110 shown in Fig. 2 a and 2b may be used also To include multipair laterally spaced conveying circuit (embodiment is not shown), so that multipair laterally spaced conveying circuit edge The vertical dimension of container 120 separates vertically.

Another embodiment of transportation system 110 is shown in Fig. 2 c and Fig. 2 d, which includes with heap laying up Set a pair of of the lateral separation being placed in 120 inside of container, substantially parallel conveying circuit 116,118.116 He of conveying circuit 118 can be configured in above and below conveying axis 122, and conveying axis 122 can usually extend along the length of container 120, as Shown in the cross sectional side view of the container 120 provided in figure 2d.In addition, with previously mentioned similar mode, in Fig. 2 c and 2d Shown in container 120 can also include multipair conveying circuit distanced from one another cross in container.Further, route pair Each conveying circuit can with or another cannot be deviated from transverse direction.(not shown) in a further embodiment holds Device 120 may include single conveying circuit, can be placed at the intermediate one third of the internal capacity of container 120, or Be placed in or close to container center line.The additional detail of the transportation system of several embodiments according to the present invention will be below It is discussed in detail.

When transportation system be used to convey article by liquid fill process container when, one or more carriers or its His fixed mechanism can be used to control position of the article during through liquid medium.One reality of suitable carrier 210 Example is applied to be shown in FIG. 3.As shown in figure 3, carrier 210 includes lower stationary plane 212a and upper stationary plane 212b, it is configured to Any appropriate number of article 216 is fixed between the lower stationary plane and upper stationary plane.In one embodiment, substantially such as Shown in Fig. 3, above and/or under stationary plane 212b, 212a can have the structure of netted, grid or grid, and in another implementation In example, the one or both in stationary plane 212a, 212b can be substantially continuous surface.Carrier 210 can be by moulding Material, glass fibre or any other dielectric material are constituted, and in one embodiment, can be simultaneous by one or more microwaves Hold and/or permeation resistance is made.In certain embodiments, which can be lossy material.In certain embodiments, it holds Carrier 210 can not include metal substantially.

Lower and upper stationary plane 212a, 212b can be attached to another by the fixation device of fastener 219 as shown in Figure 3 It is a, and in assembly, carrier 210 can be attached or affixed to transportation system according to any suitable bindiny mechanism and (not exist It is shown in Fig. 3).In one embodiment, at least side (or edge) of carrier 210 may include one or more attached Mechanism, a part such as shown in Fig. 3 for carrier 210 to be fixed to transportation system (not shown) is (for example, railing (bar), guide rail, belt or chain) lower hook 218a, 218b.According to the thickness and/or weight of article 216, carrier 210 can only include a hook in hook 218a, 218b for carrier 210 to be fixed in transportation system.For conveying The transportation system of article 216 may be configured to convey multiple carriers along one or more conveying circuit, and the carrier Can as it is previously described with side by side, it is laterally spaced configuration and/or with perpendicular separation, the deployment arrangements of stacking.When defeated When to send system include multiple conveying circuits, each conveying circuit may include multiple carriers for keeping multiple articles 216, Or each conveying circuit can keep overlieing one another or laterally spaced multiple carriers.

Referring back to Fig. 1 a and 1b, the article for being introduced into microwave system 10 is initially introduced thermalization range 12, and article is in the warm Change area and is realized substantially homogeneous temperature by thermalization.In one embodiment, all items left from thermalization range 12 are at least About 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 97% or at least about 99% has about 5 each other Temperature in DEG C, in about 2 DEG C or in about 1 DEG C.As used herein, term " thermalization " is commonly referred to as equalized temperature Or balanced step.According to the thermalization by the initial and preferred temperature of thermalization article, as shown in 1a as heat exchanger 13 The temperature control system in area 12 can be the system of heating and/or cooling.In one embodiment, thermalization step can be in environment temperature It is executed under degree and/or pressure, and in another embodiment, thermalization can be no more than about 10psig, be no more than about It is executed in 5psig or pressurization under pressure no more than about 2psig and/or liquid filling thermalization container.Carry out the object of thermalization Average residence time of the product in thermalization range 12 can have at least about 30 seconds, at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 points Clock, at least about 4 minutes and/or be no more than about 20 minutes, be no more than about 15 minutes, or be no more than about 10 minutes.? In one embodiment, the article left from thermalization range 12 can have at least about 20 DEG C, at least about 25 DEG C, at least about 30 DEG C, at least about 35 DEG C and/or be no more than about 70 DEG C, be no more than about 65 DEG C, be no more than about 60 DEG C or be no more than about 55 DEG C of temperature.

In thermalization range 12 and the work of microwave heating area 16 in one embodiment of substantially different pressure, moved from thermalization range 12 The article opened can be transmitted through pressure adjustment area 14a before entering microwave heating area 16 first, substantially such as Fig. 1 a and Shown in 1b.Pressure adjustment area 14a, which can be arranged to shift between lower pressure region and higher pressure area, to be heated Any region of article or system.In one embodiment, pressure adjustment area 14a may be configured to have at least about 1psi, at least about 5psi, at least about 10psi and/or be no more than about 50psi, be no more than about 45psi, be no more than it is big Article is shifted between about 40psi or two regions of the pressure difference no more than about 35psi.In one embodiment, microwave system System 10 may include at least two pressure adjustment area 14a, 14b, for by article back to before atmospheric pressure, by article from The heating zone that atmospheric pressure thermalization range is transferred to operation with high pressure, this will be discussed in more detail below.

It is arranged in the pressure adjustment area 314a's between the thermalization range 312 of microwave heating system 310 and microwave heating area 316 One embodiment is shown in fig.4.Pressure adjustment area 314a is configured to be fixed on multiple at least one carrier Article 350 is transferred to the microwave heating area 316 of elevated pressures from the thermalization range of lower pressure 312.Although showing in fig.4 It is single carrier 352a, but it is to be understood that pressure adjustment area 314a may be configured to receive more than one carrier.? In one embodiment, the carrier can be received simultaneously along each beam direction, so that it includes more that pressure, which adjusts area 314a in the same time, A carrier.In another embodiment, multiple carriers can be arranged and be ready in such as thermalization range 312, be used for quilt It is displaced through pressure adjustment area 314a, details is discussed below.

In operation, can by be first turned on balanced valve 330 and allow thermalization range 312 and pressure adjust area 314a it Between pressure it is balanced, one or more carrier 352a are transferred to microwave heating area 316 from thermalization range 312.Next, Brake gear 332 can be opened, to allow carrier 352a to be moved to pressure from the conveying circuit 340a being arranged in thermalization range 312 Power adjusts on the platform 334 in area 314a, as in fig.4 as being generally illustrated dotted line carrier 352b.

Hereafter, brake gear 332 and balanced valve 330 can be closed successively, so that pressure is adjusted area 314a and thermalization range 312 are isolated again.Then, another balanced valve 336 can be opened, to allow pressure adjustment area 314a and microwave heating area 316 Between pressure it is balanced.Once realizing balance, another brake gear 338 can be opened, to allow carrier 352b to be moved to It is arranged on another transportation system 340b in microwave heating area 316, is such as substantially shown by dotted line carrier 352c in fig.4 Out.Then, brake gear 338 and balanced valve 336 can be closed successively, so that microwave heating area 316 and pressure are adjusted area 314a is isolated again.Then, which can be repeated when needed, so that additional carrier is transported to from thermalization range 312 Microwave heating area 316.

According to one embodiment, each of microwave heating area 316 and thermalization range 312 can be filled with incompressible Fluid or liquid, such as, such as water or the solution including water.Hold as it is used herein, term " filling " indicates wherein to specify Long-pending at least 50% is filled with the configuration of filled media." filled media " can be liquid, usually incompressible liquid, And it can be or including such as water.In a particular embodiment, " being filled " volume can be at least about 75%, is at least big About 90%, at least about 95% or complete 100% filled media.When thermalization range 312 and/or microwave heating area 316 are filled When having incompressible fluid, brake gear 332,338 and/or pressure adjustment area 314a can also include valve as shown in fig. 4 a or Two or more unidirectional valves or valve of valve 342,344 are used to open in brake gear 332 and 338 and carrier 352 are passed Send by wherein when, prevent a large amount of fluids between thermalization range 312 and microwave heating area 316 from leaking.

By carrier 352 from thermalization range 312 be carried through pressure adjustment area 314a and enter microwave heating area 316 can be with It is realized via one or more goods conveying systems, several embodiments of the goods conveying system are shown in Fig. 4 b-4d. In certain embodiments, automatic transmission system 380 may include setting in thermalization range 312, pressure adjustment area 314a and/or micro- One or more transmitting devices in Wave heating area 316 are used to that carrier 352 to be moved into and/or be removed in pressure adjustment area 314a.In one embodiment as shown in Figure 4b, Transmission system 380 includes two toothed wheel transmission equipments 381,382, is matched It is set to the tooth 353 of lower edge setting of the engagement along carrier 352 and the rotation as indicated by arrow 392a, 392b, with Carrier 352 is pulled out from thermalization range 312, and/or carrier 352 is pushed into microwave heating area 316.As shown in Figure 4 b, First and second toothed wheel transmission equipments 381,382 are kept essentially stationary (in terms of transverse movement) during transporting carrier 352, And nearly completely or completely it is arranged in pressure adjustment area 314a.

In contrast, some embodiments of automatic transmission system 380 may include one or more transmitting devices, By carrier 352 be sent into and/or send out pressurization adjustment area 314a during can transverse shift (that is, being removable in carriage direction ).Described in one embodiment as illustrated in fig. 4 c, a part of of automatic transmission system 380 can be arranged on thermalization range 312 And/or in microwave heating area 316, and the pressure adjustment area 314a out that may be configured to protrude into and contract.As illustrated in fig. 4 c In system 380, transmitting device includes push arm 381, is configured to for carrier 352 to be pushed into pressure adjustment area 314a；And it leads Draw arm 382, is used to pull in carrier 352 in microwave heating area 316.Either push arm 381 or draft arm 382 be not It is arranged in pressure adjustment area 314a, but the pressure adjustment area 314a out that each is configured to protrude into or contract, as in Fig. 4 c It is generally illustrated by arrow 394a, 394b.

According to another embodiment shown in figure 4d, automatic delivery system 380 includes having moveable part 384 Platform 334, be configured to protrude into and contract thermalization out 312 and/or microwave heating area 316, so that carrier 352 to be sent into and send Thermalization and microwave heating area 312,316 out, as arrow 396a and 396b are generally illustrated.With embodiment shown in Fig. 4 c It compares, the automatic transmission system 380 shown in figure 4d is mainly disposed in pressure adjustment area 314a, and is configured to stretch out Area 314a is adjusted with pressure is retracted.

Regardless of the specified configuration for the transmitting device that automatic article Transmission system 380 is utilized, which can be with It is automatically controlled the automation of system 390 or control, as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b.Although not in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 c and 4d It is specific to describe, but it is to be understood that this kind of control system 390 can also be used in these embodiments.Automatic control system 390 The first balanced valve 330 and the second balanced valve 336 of automatic article Transmission system 380,332 He of the first gate valve can be used to control The movement and/or timing of at least one of second gate valve 338 and the first transmitting device 381 and the second transmitting device 382.? In one embodiment, the position, speed and/or timing of these the adjustable devices of control system 390 or element, to be at this Carrier in system is mobile in a manner of uninterrupted and is consistent.

Fig. 5 a-5d is turned now to, one embodiment of locking brake gear 420 is provided, which is suitable as The brake gear 332 and/or 338 of a part for the microwave system 310 described in Fig. 4 a and 4b.Gate-valve device 420 is locked in Fig. 5 a- It is shown in d comprising opposite sealing surfaces are presented in a pair fixing component 410,412 spaced apart, the fixing component 410,412 414a, 414b and the lock reception space 416 being limited between the sealing surfaces.It is every in spacing fixing member 410,412 A to limit flow-through opening 418a, 418b, which is limited by a sealing surfaces in sealing surfaces 414a, 414b System.Each flow-through opening 418a, 418b are generally aligned with each other, so that article can pass through when gate-valve device 420 is opened The opening of accumulation.

Locking brake gear 420 further comprises gate assembly 422, which is configured to be received in lock reception space In 416, and in lock reception space between closed position (as illustrated in figures 5 b and 5 c) and open position (as shown in Figure 5 a) It is displaceable, wherein at the closed position, gate assembly 422 primary stricture flow-through opening 418a, 418b, and wherein described When open position, gate assembly 422 substantially not blocked flow be open 418a, 418b.In one embodiment, gate assembly 422 includes The drive member 428 a pair sealing plate 424,426 spaced apart and be arranged between sealing plate 424,426.When gate assembly 422 Be configured at closed position, drive member 428 relative to sealing plate 424,426 retracted position (as shown in Figure 5 b) with It can be shifted between extended position (as shown in Figure 5 c).In one embodiment as illustrated in figs. 5 a-5 c, gate assembly 422 includes setting At least a pair of bearings 430 in the space being limited between opposite sealing plate 424,426 is set, when gate assembly 422 is in When closed position, described at least a pair of bearings 430 is placed in lock reception space 416, as Fig. 5 b and 5c institute is specifically shown 's.When drive member 428 shifts between retracted position as shown in Figure 5 b and extended position as shown in Figure 5 c, a pair of of axis Holding at least one bearing in 430 can exert oneself outward at least one sealing plate in sealing plate 424,426, make sealing plate that This is separate and enters sealing station, as shown in Figure 5 c.

In one embodiment, bearing can be fixed one or more bearings in 430, attach or at least partly It is contained at least one of sealing plate 424,426 and/or drive member 428.According to one embodiment, at least one bearing 430a can be fixedly attached to drive member 428, as the enlarged partial view of the gate assembly 422 provided in figure 5d is retouched It draws.When drive member 428 is moved downwardly into lock reception space 416, a bearing 430a of the bearing centering can be contacted A sealing plate (as shown in the plate 426 in Fig. 5 d) in sealing plate 424,426 and can be along the slope in the sealing plate (or slot) 427 is mobile.When bearing is advanced through slot 427 (or along slope 427), outside pressure is applied in sealing plate On 426, to keep the sealing plate mobile with direction indicated by arrow 460.Although showing only includes a pair of bearings 430, It should be appreciated that all may be used along any amount of bearing that the vertical length of drive member 428 and/or containment member 424,426 disposes To be used.

When being in sealing station as shown in Figure 5 c, at least part engagement or physics in sealing plate 424,426 are connect Corresponding opposing seal surface 414a, 414b are touched, to basically form fluid-tight seal.In one embodiment, sealing plate 424, each sealing plate in 426 includes elastic sealing element 423,425, is used to be in sealing station when sealing plate 424,426 When, joint seal surface 414a, 414b.When drive member 428 is moved back into as shown in Figure 5 b from extended position as shown in Figure 5 c Retracted position when, sealing plate 424,426 is retracted to unencapsulated position as shown in Figure 5 b each other.At unsealing position, Sealing plate 424,426 is detached from from opposite sealing surfaces 414a, 414b, but can remain set at lock reception space 416 It is interior.In one embodiment, sealing plate 424,426 can be to unsealing location bias, and may include at least one biasing Device 429 (for example, a spring or multiple springs), for by sealing plate 424,426 to unsealing location bias.

Referring again to Fig. 1 a and 1b, it is present in thermalization range 12 as described above and optionally transports through pressure adjustment The article of area 14a can be introduced into microwave heating area 16.In microwave heating area 16, article can be used and use microwave energy The heating source of amount quickly heats.As used herein, term " microwave energy " refers to having between 300MHz and 30GHz The electromagnetic energy of frequency.In one embodiment, each configuration in microwave heating area 16 can be utilized with about 915MHz The microwave energy of the frequency of frequency or about 2.45GHz, described two frequencies are designated generally by the industrial microwave frequency of work.It removes Other than microwave energy, microwave heating area 16 can also be optionally with the one or more of such as conduction or Convective Heating A heating source or other conventional heating methods or device.However, the energy for heating the article in microwave heating area 16 is extremely Few about 90%, at least about 95% or whole can be the microwave energy from microwave source.

According to one embodiment, microwave heating area 16 may be configured to the temperature of article increasing to minimum threshold temperature More than.In one embodiment that microwave system 10 is configured to sterilize multiple articles, minimum threshold temperature (and microwave heating The operation temperature in area 16) it can be at least about 120 DEG C, at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 122 DEG C and/or be no more than about 130 DEG C, it is no more than about 128 DEG C or no more than about 126 DEG C.Microwave heating area 16 can grasp under approximate environmental pressure Make or it may include one or more pressurization microwave office, the pressurization microwave office at least about 5psig, at least about 10psig, at least about 15psig and/or be no more than about 80psig, be no more than about 60psig or be no more than about It is operated under the pressure of 40psig.In one embodiment, the microwave office of pressurization can be the liquid filled chamber with operating pressure, So that being heated article can achieve temperature on the normal boiling point of liquid medium used in it.

Desired temperature can be heated within the relatively short period by the article in microwave heating area 16, certain In the case of, this can be such that the injury of article or degeneration minimizes.In one embodiment, it is transmitted through microwave heating area 16 Article can have at least about 5 seconds, at least about 20 seconds, at least about 60 seconds and/or be no more than about 10 points Clock, the average residence time no more than about 8 minutes or no more than about 5 minutes.In identical or other embodiments, microwave adds Hot-zone 16 may be configured to at least about 15 DEG C/min (DEG C/min), at least about 25 DEG C/min, at least about 35 DEG C/ Minute and/or no more than about 75 DEG C/min, no more than about 50 DEG C/min or no more than about 40 DEG C/min heating speed Rate by be heated article at least about 20 DEG C, at least about 30 DEG C, at least about 40 DEG C of mean temperature increase, at least about 50 DEG C, at least about 75 DEG C and/or be no more than about 150 DEG C, be no more than about 125 DEG C or be no more than about 100 DEG C.

Fig. 6 a is turned now to, the one embodiment in microwave heating area 516 is shown, which generallys include microwave and add Hot cell 520, for generating at least one microwave generator 512 of microwave energy and for by the microwave energy of microwave generator 512 At least part of amount is directed to the microwave distribution system 514 in microwave office 520.Microwave distribution system 514 includes multiple waveguides Section 518 and one or more microwave emitters for being illustrated as transmitter 522a-f in Fig. 6 a, the microwave emitter are used In the inside that microwave energy is discharged into microwave office 520.As shown in Figure 6 a, microwave heating area 516 may further include defeated System 540 is sent, is used to heated 550 being carried through microwave office 520.The microwave of each embodiment according to the present invention Each component of heating zone 516 will be described in detail below.

Microwave generator 512 can be any suitable device of the microwave energy for generating expectation wavelength (λ).Properly The example of the microwave generator of type can include but is not limited to magnetron, klystron, travelling-wave tubes and gyrotron.Although microwave Heating system 516 is shown to include single generator 512 in Fig. 6 a, but it is to be understood that microwave heating system 516 can wrap Include any amount of generator arranged with any suitable configurations.For example, in one embodiment, according to microwave distribution system 514 size and arrangement, microwave heating area 516 may include at least one, at least two, at least three and/or be no more than 5, no More than 4 or no more than 3 microwave generator.The specific embodiment in the microwave heating area including multiple generators will be below It is discussed in detail.

Microwave office 520 can be arranged to receive any room of multiple articles or container.Microwave office 520 can be any Size and one of it can have various varying cross-section shapes.For example, in one embodiment, room 520 can have The cross section of substantial circular or ellipse, and in other embodiments, it can have the cross of substantially square, rectangle or polygon Cross sectional shape.In one embodiment, microwave office 520 can be compression chamber, and in identical or other embodiments, this is micro- Wave room may be configured at least partly filled with liquid medium (liquid filled chamber).Microwave office 520 can be configured to connect At least part of the microwave energy discharged from one or more microwave emitters 522 is received, and in one embodiment, it can The wave pattern for stablizing (or lasting) is created to be configured to permit.In one embodiment, at least one of microwave office 520 Size can be at least about 0.30 λ, at least about 0.40 λ or at least about 0.50 λ, and wherein λ is emitted in the microwave office Microwave energy wavelength.

Microwave distribution system 514 includes multiple waveguides or waveguide segment 518, and being used for will be from the microwave energy of generator 512 At least part of amount is directed in microwave office 520.Waveguide 518 can be designed or be configured to propagate with specific Main Patterns micro- The mode of wave energy, the microwave energy which can generate with generator 512 is identical or different.As made herein , term " mode " refers to the approximately fixed cross section figure of microwave energy.In one embodiment of the invention, wave Leading 518 may be configured to TE_xyMode propagation microwave energy, it is integer from 0 to 5 that wherein x and y, which is range,.In the present invention Another embodiment in, waveguide 518 may be configured to TM_abMode propagation microwave energy, it is from 0 that wherein a and b, which is range, To 5 integer.It should be appreciated that the above-mentioned range of definition of a, b, x and y value for describing microwave propagation mode is suitable for the present invention The whole instruction.In one embodiment, the microwave energy propagated by waveguide 518 and/or discharged via transmitter 522a-f The Main Patterns of amount can be from by TE₁₀、TM₀₁And TE₁₁It is selected in the group of composition.

As shown in Figure 6 a, microwave distribution system 514 further comprises one or more microwave emitter 522a-f, often A microwave emitter limits at least one transmitting opening 524a-f for being discharged into microwave energy in microwave office 520.Although Microwave distribution system 514 is shown to include 6 microwave emitter 522a-f in Fig. 6 a, but it is to be understood that microwave distribution system System 514 may include any appropriate number of transmitter with any desired deployment arrangements.For example, microwave distribution system 514 can To include at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four and/or be no more than 50, no more than 30 or micro- no more than 20 Wave launcher.Transmitter 522a-f can be the transmitter of identical or different type, and in one embodiment, transmitter At least one transmitter in 522a-f can be substituted with reflecting surface (not shown), and the reflecting surface from other for that will emit At least part for the microwave energy that device 522 discharges is reflected into microwave heating chamber 520.

When microwave distribution system 514 includes two or more transmitters, at least some of transmitter can be arranged on The side of microwave office 520 being substantially the same.As it is used herein, term " transmitter of same side " refer to being placed in it is micro- Two or more transmitters for being substantially the same side of wave room.The transmitter of two or more same sides can also be axial each other Interval.As it is used herein, term " axially spaced-apart " indicates the spacing on conveying direction of the article by microwave system (that is, spacing on transport axis extending direction).In addition, one or more transmitters 522 of the system can also be with one Other a or more 522 lateral separations of transmitter.As it is used herein, term " lateral separation " should indicate logical with article Cross the spacing (that is, perpendicular to spacing of the extending direction of transport axis) on the vertical direction of conveying direction of microwave system.Example Such as in Fig. 6 a, transmitter 522a-c and 522d-f be arranged on microwave office 520 corresponding first side and second side 521a, On 521b, and transmitter 522a and transmitter 522b and 522c axially spaced-apart, just as transmitter 522e and transmitter 522f and 522d axially spaced-apart is the same.

In addition, as shown by the embodiment in Fig. 6 a, microwave distribution system 514 may include at least two to (example Such as, two pairs or multipair) be oppositely arranged or opposite transmitter.As it is used herein, what term " opposite transmitter " referred to It is disposed between microwave office's two or more transmitters substantially on opposite sides.In one embodiment, opposite transmitter It is facing to can be opposite.As herein in regard to used in opposite microwave emitter, term " opposite faces " should table Show the transmitter that center transmitting axis is generally aligned with each other.For simplicity, the center of transmitter 522c emits axis 523c Center transmitting axis 523d with transmitter 522d is the unique transmission axis shown in Fig. 6 a.It should be understood, however, that hair Each transmitter in emitter 522a-f includes similar transmitting axis.

Opposite transmitter can general alignment each other, or can with microwave office 520 is set opposite flank on one Other a or more transmitter interlaced arrangements.In one embodiment, a pair of of relative transmission device can be staggered a pair of of hair Emitter, so that the discharge outlet 524 of transmitter 522 is misaligned substantially each other.Transmitter 522a and 522e are constituted staggeredly to match Set the illustrative relative transmission device of a pair of arrangement.Staggered relative transmission device can axially or transversally interlock each other.As this For text used in opposite microwave emitter, term " axially staggered " should indicate that center transmitting axis is axially spaced apart from each other Transmitter.As herein in regard to used in opposite microwave emitter, term " laterally staggered " should indicate that center emits axis Transmitter distanced from one another cross.In another embodiment, a pair of opposite transmitter can be directly opposite transmitter, So that the discharge outlet of transmitter pair is substantially aligned.For example, transmitter 522c and 522d shown in Fig. 6 a are configured to A pair of opposite transmitter.

In certain embodiments, microwave heating area 516 may include two or more pipelines operated simultaneously with one another Road.Exemplary multi-line road transportation system 540 is shown in Fig. 6 b and 6c.As shown in figs. 6b and 6c, transportation system 540 can be matched It is set on the conveying direction substantially indicated by arrow 560 in figure 6b and transports multiple articles 550.In one embodiment, it conveys System 540 may include at least two lateral separations, substantially parallel conveying circuit, such as shown in figure 6b One, second and third conveying circuit 542a-c.In one embodiment, conveying circuit 542a-c may include individual delivery system System, and in another embodiment, each route in conveying circuit 542a-c can be a part of entire transportation system.It is defeated System 540 and/or conveying circuit 542a-c is sent to can be any suitable class including transportation system those of was previously discussed in detail The conveyer or transportation system of type.

The microwave heating system 516 shown in Fig. 6 b and 6c include multiple microwave emitters 522, can be divided or It is organized into two or more microwave emitters of at least two groups.Each of first, second, and third conveying circuit 542a-c Conveying circuit may be configured to receive the microwave energy of corresponding first, second, and third group of microwave emitter.Implement at one In example, transmitter " group " also refers to the transmitter (example of two or more axially spaced-aparts disposed substantially along conveying direction Such as, transmitter the group 522a-d, transmitter group 522e-h and/or transmitter group 522i-l shown in figure 6b), and another In a embodiment, transmitter " group " may include the one or more pairs of relative transmission devices being placed on the not ipsilateral of microwave office (for example, the group including a pair of of transmitter 522a and 522m as fig. 6 c, the group including a pair of of transmitter 522b and 522n, Group including a pair of of transmitter 522c and 522o and the group including a pair of of transmitter 522d and 522p).When transmitter group includes When one or more pairs of relative transmission devices, which can be arranged with interconnected (not shown) or be straight each other as fig. 6 c Connect opposite (for example, opposite face to).At least one hair according to one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6 b as generator 512a Raw device may be configured to provide microwave energy at least one set of microwave emitter.

If Fig. 6 b is specifically shown, each microwave emitter 522 of neighbouring conveying circuit 542 can be in conveying direction On relative to each other with interconnected arrangement.In one embodiment, the microwave emitter 522a- of one or more same sides L can be axially staggered each other.For example, in embodiment as shown in Figure 6 b, with the first associated transmitter of conveying circuit 542a 522a-d can be relative to each transmitter in respective transmitter 522e-h with interconnected arrangement, wherein transmitter 522e-h It is associated with the second conveying circuit 542b relative to and/or along conveying direction 560.Such as sent out herein in relation to the microwave of same side Used in emitter, term " axially staggered " should indicate that distance axially spaced apart from each other is greater than the transmitting opening of transmitter most 1/2 transmitter of big axial dimension.As used in the microwave emitter herein in relation to same side, term is " laterally staggered " it should indicate that distance distanced from one another cross is greater than 1/2 transmitter of the maximum transverse size of the transmitting opening of transmitter.

In addition, in identical or another embodiment, with non-adjacent conveying circuit (for example, first and third pipeline Road 542a, 542c) associated microwave emitter can be relative to each other with substantially aligned deployment arrangements, as shown in Fig. 6 b Illustrated by arrangement of the transmitter 522a-d relative to transmitter 522i-l.Alternatively, it is associated with third conveying circuit 542c At least part of transmitter 522i-l can be relative to the hair of the first conveying circuit 542a and/or the second conveying circuit 542b Emitter 522a-d interlaced arrangement (embodiment is not shown).Although it includes very that Fig. 6 b, which describes between the transmitter of neighbouring conveying circuit, It is small even without spacing, but it is to be understood that in one embodiment, between the transmitter of adjacent lines may exist certain Away from (for example, transmitter 522a and 522e, transmitter 522b and 522f etc.).Further, individual transmitter 522 can have There are any suitable design or configuration, and in one embodiment, may include one or more implementations of the invention At least one feature of example, the feature will be described in detail herein.

Fig. 7 a is turned now to, the partial view of the one embodiment in microwave heating area 616 is shown.It wraps in microwave heating area 616 At least one microwave emitter 622 is included, which limits the transmitting opening for being discharged into energy in microwave office 620 624.As shown in Figure 7a, microwave emitter 622, which is configured to emit axis 660 along center, discharges microwave energy to transportation system 640 Amount, transportation system 640 are configured to transport multiple articles 650 in microwave office 620 along transport axis 642.In one embodiment In, center transmitting axis 660 can be inclined by so that transmitting angle of inclination beta be limited at center transmitting axis 660 with perpendicular to Between the plane (plane 662 gone out as shown in Figure 7a) of transport axis 642.According to one embodiment, emitting angle of inclination beta be can be At least about 2 °, at least about 4 °, at least about 5 ° and/or be no more than about 15 °, be no more than about 10 ° or be no more than about 8°。

Turn now to Fig. 7 b, another embodiment of microwave heating system 616 be shown, the microwave heating system include two or More transmitters 622a-c, each transmitter are configured to emit axis 660a-c for energy emission along corresponding inclination center Into microwave office 620.In one embodiment that microwave heating system 616 includes two or more dipping reflectors, transmitting The center transmitting axis of device especially same side transmitter can be substantially parallel to each other, transmitter 622a as shown in figure 7b, What center transmitting axis 660a, 660b of 622b was generally illustrated.As it is used herein, term " substantially parallel " is meant It is parallel in 5 °.Two or more transmitters especially phase in identical or another embodiment, in microwave heating area 616 Can be substantially parallel or substantially aligned to the center transmitting axis of transmitter, such as microwave emitter 622a, 622c in Fig. 7 b Emit shown by axis 660a, 660c.When microwave heating area 616 includes emitting axis with the center oriented as described above When n inclination microwave emitter, each transmitter, which can limit, was previously discussing the transmitting angle of inclination beta in range accordingly_n.One In a embodiment, each transmitting angle of inclination beta of each transmitter_nCan be it is essentially identical, and in another embodiment, transmitting Angle of inclination beta_nAt least one of transmitting inclination angle can be substantially different from it is one or more other transmitting inclination angles.

Referring back to Fig. 6 a, at least one of transmitting opening 524a-f of the transmitter 522a-f of microwave system 516 can At least partly to be covered by the window 526a-f of basic microwave thoroughly, shown window 526a-f setting is in each transmitting opening 524a-f Between microwave office 520.Saturating microwave window 526a-f can operationally prevent fluid in microwave office 520 and microwave emitter Flowing between 522a-f, while a part of microwave energy from transmitter 522a-f also being allowed to pass through the saturating microwave window. Window 526a-f can be made of any suitable material, and the suitable material includes but is not limited to one or more thermoplastics Property or glass material, it is the teflon of such as glass-filled, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (PTFE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), poly- Etherimide (PEI), aluminium oxide, glass and combinations thereof.In one embodiment, window 526a-f can have at least big About 4mm, at least about 6mm, at least about 8mm and/or be no more than about 20mm, be no more than about 16mm or be no more than about The average thickness of 12mm, and at least about 40psi, at least about 50psi, at least about 75psi can be born and/or do not surpassed Cross about 200psi, no more than about 150psi or the pressure difference no more than about 120psi, without be broken, crack or other Mode fails.

Several embodiments of the suitable configurations of microwave emitter window are shown in Fig. 8 a-c.As shown in figures 8 a-c, each Microwave window 726 limits room side surface 725, optionally limits at least part of the side wall 721 of microwave office 720.According to One embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the room side surface 725 of window 726 are configured such that the total surface of room side surface 725 At least about 50%, at least about 65%, at least about 75%, at least about the 85% of area or at least about 95% is directed For with horizontal plane at inclination alpha.With the inclination alpha of horizontal plane can be at least about 2 °, at least about 4 °, at least about 8 °, at least About 10 ° and/or be no more than about 45 °, be no more than about 30 ° or be no more than about 15 °, as shown in dotted line 762.At other In embodiment, when the extension axis 762 and/or transport axis of microwave office 720 are parallel to horizontal plane, inclination alpha can also be limited It is scheduled on the extension axis 762 and/or transport axis (not showing in Fig. 8 a-c) of such as microwave office 720.

The room side surface 725 of window 726 can be oriented from horizontal plane, be had but regardless of whether transmitter 722 is oriented Transmitting inclination angle as described above.In one embodiment, window 726 can be substantially flat and from horizontal plane inclination (such as Shown in Fig. 8 a), and in identical or another embodiment, the room side surface 725 of window 726 may include one or more convex Face (as shown in Figure 8 b) or concave surface (as shown in Figure 8 c).It is one or more when room side surface 725 is not substantially flat (or n) total inclination angle can be formed as described above.According to the accurate configuration of room side surface 725, the multiple inclination angles being consequently formed can With identical or different with other inclination angles for being formed by similar face 725.

As discussed previously, the microwave emitter 522a-f shown in Fig. 6 a can be any suitable configuration.Root It is provided in Fig. 9 a-e according to several views of the microwave emitter 822 of one embodiment of the present of invention configuration.With reference first to Fig. 9 a, Microwave emitter 822 is shown to include one group of opposite side wall 832a, 832b and one group of opposite end wall 834a, 834b, described Side wall and end wall limit the transmitting opening 838 of substantially rectangle jointly.It, can be with when transmitting opening 838 includes rectangular aperture With the width (W at least partly limited respectively by the terminal edge of side wall 832a, 832b and 834a, 834b₁) and depth (D₁)。 In one embodiment, side wall 832a, 832b can be more wider than end wall 834a, 834b, so that such as the W of Fig. 9 a₁It is shown The length of lower edge of side wall 832a, 832b can be greater than such as Fig. 9 a identifier D₁Shown end wall 834a, 834b Lower edge length.As illustrated in fig. 9, the elongated portion of side wall 832a, 832b and end wall 834a, 834b can also be common Access 837 is limited, is transmitted at least one the transmitting opening limited by transmitter 822 from microwave entrance 836 in microwave energy When 838, microwave energy can be propagated by the access 837.

When transmitting opening 838 is for when microwave energy is discharged into microwave office, transmitting opening 838 can be in microwave office Direction of extension (not shown) or the article in it conveying direction on be elongate.For example, in one embodiment, transmitting Side wall 832a, 832b and end wall 834a, 834b of device 822 may be configured so that the full-size of transmitting opening 838 (as schemed 9a is shown as W₁) substantially aligned, the extending direction and/or article for being parallel to microwave office pass through conveying direction therein.At this In embodiment, the terminal edge of side wall 832a, 832b, which can be directed, to be parallel to extending direction (or conveying direction), and end wall The terminal edge of 834a, 834b can be substantially aligned, (do not show in Fig. 9 perpendicular to the indoor extension of microwave or conveying direction Out).

Fig. 9 b and 9c are respectively provided in the side wall 832 of microwave emitter 822 shown in Fig. 9 a and the view of end wall 834. It is understood that while only show one in side wall or end wall 832,834 in Fig. 9 b and 9c, but this is in side wall or end wall Another can have similar configuration.In one embodiment, at least one of side wall 832 and end wall 834 can be Tubaeform, so that entrance opening dimension (width W₀Or depth D₀) it is less than outlet size (width W₁Or depth D₁), respectively as schemed Shown in 9b and 9c.The corresponding width of each restriction and depth subtended angle θ when being tubaeform, in side wall and end wall 832,834_WWith θ_d, as shown in figs. 9 b and 9 c.In one embodiment, width and/or depth subtended angle θ_WAnd/or θ_dCan be at least about 2 °, extremely Few about 5 °, at least about 10 ° or at least about 15 ° and/or it is no more than about 45 °, is no more than about 30 ° or is no more than big About 15 °.In one embodiment, width and depth subtended angle θ_WAnd θ_dCan be it is identical, and in another embodiment, θ_wWith θ_dValue can be different.

According to one embodiment, depth subtended angle θ_dWidth subtended angle θ can be less than_W.In a particular embodiment, depth subtended angle θ_d About 0 ° can be no more than, so that the entry depth D of microwave emitter 822₀With outlet size D₁Be it is essentially identical, such as Shown in embodiment in Fig. 9 d.In another embodiment, depth subtended angle θ_dIt can be less than 0 °, so that D₁Less than D₀, such as scheme Shown in 9e.When microwave emitter 822 includes the depth D of the depth subtended angle less than 0 ° and/or transmitting opening 838₁Enter less than microwave The depth D of mouth 836₀When, microwave emitter 822 can be the taper launch device with substantially anti-section.In microwave emitter 822 include in one embodiment of n transmitting opening, and the opening between 1 and n, which can have, is less than or equal to transmitting The depth of the entrance of device and/or the depth of width and/or width.The further embodiment of more opening transmitters will be detailed below It discusses.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the depth D of transmitting opening 838₁About 0.625 λ can be no more than, be no more than About 0.5 λ, it is no more than about 0.4 λ, is no more than about 0.35 λ or is no more than about 0.25 λ, wherein λ is from transmitting opening 838 The wavelength of the Main Patterns of the microwave energy of discharge.While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that by the way that opening 838 will be emitted Depth D₁It minimizes, microwave field caused by immediate transmitting opening 838 by the transmitter with bigger depth than being produced Raw microwave field is more stable and uniform.In one embodiment that microwave emitter 822 includes n transmitting opening, each transmitting The depth d of opening_nAbout 0.625 λ can be no more than, be no more than about 0.5 λ, be no more than about 0.4 λ, be no more than about 0.35 λ is no more than about 0.25 λ.When microwave emitter 822 has multiple openings, each opening can have and same transmitter Other one or more transmittings be open identical or different depth.

Referring now to Figure 10 a-c, the another of the microwave emitter 922 described herein suitable for microwave heating system is shown One embodiment, the microwave emitter include single microwave entrance 936 and for from wherein discharge two of microwave energy or More transmitting openings, two or more transmitting openings are illustrated as transmitting or exhaust openings 938a-c.Show in Figure 10 a-c Microwave emitter 922 out includes the first, second, and third transmitting opening 938a-c spaced apart, and the opening spaced apart is Distanced from one another cross.Although described herein define three transmittings opening, but it is to be understood that transmitter 922 may include Any appropriate number of transmitting opening, any suitable quantity include at least two, at least three, at least four and/or are no more than 10, be no more than 8 or be no more than 6.Spacing between first, second and third transmitting opening each of 938a-c can be with Be at least about 0.05 λ/at least about 0.075 λ or at least about 0.10 λ and/or be no more than about 0.25 λ/be no more than about 0.15 λ is no more than about 0.1 λ, and wherein λ is the wavelength of the Main Patterns of the microwave energy discharged from transmitter 922.

In one embodiment, each opening in the first, second, and third transmitting opening is by one or more separations Diaphragm (or demarcation plate) 940a, 940b points are opened, which is arranged in 922 inside of transmitter, as shown in Figure 10 a-c.Diaphragm 940a, 940b usually have equal to the thickness for it is expected spacing between exhaust openings 938a-c.When microwave emitter includes n diaphragm When, microwave emitter 922 limits (n+1) a separated transmitting opening and is limited at microwave entrance 836 and each transmitting opening (n+1) a individual microwave access 937a-c between 938a-c, as Figure 10 c is specifically shown.As shown in figure l0c, each Microwave access 937a-c has length L₁-L₃, which extends to vertical with accordingly transmitting opening 938a-c from entrance 936 Point.L₁-L₃Each of can be essentially identical or L₁、L₂And L₃At least one of can be substantially different.According to a reality Example, embodiment especially as shown in figure l0c are applied, one or more access 937a-c can lead to than one or more other Road 937a-c is longer.

When the length difference of one or more access 937a-c and other one or more accesses, access 937a- Size (the L of c₁、L₂And/or L₃) can be adjusted so that the phase velocity of the microwave energy propagated by the access compared with Long microwave access is (for example, the L in Figure 10 c₁And L₃) internal ratio by shorter access (for example, the L in Figure 10 c₂) with faster Leg speed accumulation.While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is assumed that can execute and this kind of be adjusted to ensure that the uniform of each waveform portion It is synchronous, to generate uniform wave surface when microwave energy is discharged into room 520.When microwave emitter 922 includes single When diaphragm, the same length of two microwave accesses (embodiment is not shown) and each access is only generated.It therefore, can be with The phase velocity of the microwave energy across equal length access is not needed or seldom needs to control.

In identical or another embodiment, each opening in transmitting opening 938a-c can be with limited depth d_1-3, such as Figure 10 b is generally illustrated.In one embodiment, depth d₁To d₃In each depth can be essentially identical, and at another In embodiment, depth d₁-d₃In at least one depth can be different.As discussed previously, d₁-d₃In it is one or more A depth can be no more than about 0.625 λ, be no more than about 0.5 λ, be no more than about 0.4 λ, be no more than about 0.35 λ or not More than about 0.25 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength from the Main Patterns of the transmitting opening 938a-c microwave energy discharged.In addition, one In a embodiment, such as previous discussed in detail, d₁-d₃At least one of can be less than or equal to entrance 936 depth d₀。 As shown in fig. lob, in the presence of diaphragm 940a, 940b, the depth d of each transmitting opening 938a-c_1-3It does not include the diaphragm The thickness of 940a, 940b.

Referring again to Fig. 6 a, in one embodiment, the microwave distribution system 514 in microwave heating area 516 may include to Few microwave distributing manifold 525a, a 525b, are used to assign microwave energy via multiple transmitter 522a-c and 522d-f Or it is assigned in room 520.In one embodiment, microwave distributing manifold 525a, 525b may include that at least three microwaves are assigned Device, being configured to will be from generator 512 before at least some of microwave emitter 522a-f discharge in microwave energy Microwave energy is divided into two or more independent parts.As it is used herein, term " microwave assignment device " refers to According to estimated rate, microwave energy is operationally divided into any device or commodity of two or more independent sectors.Such as Used herein, what term " scheduled power ratio " referred to being discharged from specific microwave assignment device obtains independent every time The ratio of partial quantity of power.For example, be configured to will by the microwave assignment device that is divided with 1:1 power ratio of power will be by It is two of substantially equal parts that power divider therein will be introduced by, which being configured to,.

But, in one embodiment of the invention, at least one microwave assignment device of microwave distribution system 514, such as Fig. 6 a, which is shown as induction type diaphragm 570a-h and " T shape " or two-way separator 572, may be configured to the predetermined function for not being 1:1 Rate ratio.For example, one or more in microwave assignment device 570a-h or 572 may be configured to according to predetermined power ratio Rate divides the microwave energy passed through, and wherein predetermined power ratio is at least about 1:1.5, at least about 1:2, at least about 1:3 And/or it is no more than about 1:10, is no more than about 1:8 or is no more than about 1:6.

Each of assignment device 570a2-h used by microwave distribution system 514 and/or 5 may be configured to root Discharging energy or one or more assignment device 570a-h according to identical ratio may be configured to different power ratios Discharge.Assignment device 570a-h and 572 may be configured so that the discharge of each transmitter from transmitter 522a-f is basic Identical quantity of power, and in another embodiment, assignment device 570a-h and 572 can be by Joint Designing, so that more More power is discharged from one or more transmitter 522a-f, and less power pass through it is remaining in transmitter 522a-f Transmitter discharge.The specified power ratio and be somebody's turn to do that each assignment device in microwave assignment device 570a-h and 572 is utilized The mode or configured in one piece that microwave energy in system is assigned can depend on various factors, the various factors include for example, It is heated the type of article, the desired operation condition and other similar factor in microwave heating area 516.

In operation, initial microwave amount is introduced into microwave distribution system 514 and passes through separator in microwave energy Two parts are divided into when 572.In one embodiment, the two parts for the microwave energy being discharged from separator 572 can be several Identical power, and in another embodiment, one in described two parts can be than another with more power. As shown in Figure 6 a, each part can be transmitted to corresponding manifold 525a, 525b before entering manifold 525a, 525b, can Selection of land transports through phase shifting equipment 530.Microwave distributing manifold 525a will now be described, it should be understood that similar operation is equally applicable In the lower manifold 525b shown in Fig. 6 a.

The microwave function of drain separator 572 and optional phase shifting equipment 530 (embodiment will be described in detail below) Rate is subsequently passed through the microwave assignment device for being illustrated as diaphragm 570a, and power can be divided into the first transmitting microwave on the diaphragm Component (fraction) and the first distribution microwave component.First transmitting microwave component can be led to transmitter 522a and can be with Via outlet 524a discharge.First distribution microwave component can along waveguide 518 downwardly additional microwave emitter 522b, 522c is propagated.According to one embodiment, the first transmitting microwave component being discharged from diaphragm 570a and first distributes microwave component Power ratio can be no more than about 1:1, be no more than about 0.95:1, be no more than about 0.90:1, be no more than about 0.80: 1, it is no more than about 0.70:1 or is no more than about 0.60:1.In one embodiment, first emits microwave component and first point Power ratio with microwave component is not 1:1.

When the first distribution microwave component is propagated towards transmitter 522b, 522c, can then be divided into will be through By the second transmitting microwave component of transmitting outlet 524b discharge being oriented to towards transmitter 522b, and along waveguide 518 towards hair The second distribution microwave component that emitter 522c is propagated downwards.In one embodiment, the second transmitting microwave component and the second distribution The ratio of microwave component can be at least about 0.80:1, at least about 0.90:1, at least about 0.95:1 and/or be no more than About 1.2:1, no more than about 1.1:1, no more than about 1.05:1 or can be close to 1:1.Then, remaining microwave energy Amount (for example, all second distributing microwave component) can be next directed to final microwave emitter 522c and export from transmitting 524c discharge.

According to another embodiment (not showing in Fig. 6 a), microwave distribution system 514 may include with more than three Microwave distributing manifold 525a, 525b of transmitter.For example, removing (n- when microwave distributing manifold 525 includes n transmitter 1) all partiting steps other than a step are performed, so that transmitting microwave component is not with the ratio for distributing microwave component 1:1.For each step in addition to (n-1) a step, power ratio can be no more than about 1:1, be no more than about 0.95:1, it is no more than about 0.90:1, is no more than about 0.80:1, is no more than about 0.70:1 or is no more than about 0.60:1, And (n-1) a partiting step can be performed, so that the ratio of transmitting microwave component and the second distribution microwave component can To be at least about 0.80:1, at least about 0.90:1, at least about 0.95:1 and/or be no more than about 1.2:1, no more than big About 1.1:1, it no more than about 1.05:1 or can be close to 1:1.Then n-th of transmitting microwave component will be via n-th When microwave emitter is discharged into microwave office, (n-1) a distribution microwave component can be sent with most of its or all.

It is one or more other than being placed in one or more diaphragm 570a-h in microwave distribution system 514 A transmitter 522 can also include at least one the induction type diaphragm being arranged in transmitter, such as one in Figure 11 a and 11b Shown in embodiment.Alternatively, one or more diaphragm 570b and/or 570d can be separately positioned on transmitter 522a And/or in 522b, rather than it is arranged in waveguide as shown in Figure 6 a.

One embodiment of microwave emitter 1022 including the induction type diaphragm being disposed therein is shown in fig. 11 a. Transmitter 1022 may include at least one between its microwave entrance 1036 and one or more transmitting openings 1038 Induction type diaphragm 1070, as Figure 11 a and 11b are generally illustrated.As shown in figures 11a and 11b, diaphragm 1070 can be by being arranged It is limited in a pair of induction type diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b on opposite sides of transmitter 1022.Although the first and second diaphragms Panel 1072a, 1072b are shown to be coupled to relatively narrow opposite end walls 1034a, 1034b of transmitter 1022 it should be appreciated that the One and secondary diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can also be coupled to transmitter 1022 wider opposing sidewalls 1032a, 1032b.As shown in figures 11a and 11b, first and second diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b are to be across through the micro- of access 1037 The direction of direction of wave travel extends inwardly into the microwave access being limited between microwave entrance 1036 and transmitting opening 1038 In 1037.In one embodiment, diaphragm panel blocks at least big of 1037 gross area of microwave access at the position of its setting About 25%, at least about 40% or at least about 50% and/or it is no more than about 75%, is no more than about 60% or is no more than big About 55%.When microwave emitter 1022 includes two or more transmitting openings, as shown in fig. 11c, the first and second diaphragms Panel 1072a, 1072b may be configured at least part of each transmitting opening 1038a-c of obstruction transmitter 1022.

As shown in fig. 11a, first and second diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can be substantially coplanar, and can be with base This emits axis orientation perpendicular to the center of microwave emitter 1022.In some embodiments, diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can To be spaced apart with the microwave entrance 1036 of microwave emitter 1022 and transmitting opening 1038.For example, diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can be spaced a distance with the microwave entrance 1036 of transmitter 1022, which is that the microwave of transmitter 1022 enters At least about 10%, at least about 25% or at least about 35% of minimum range between mouth 1036 and transmitting opening 1038. Further, diaphragm panel 1072a, 1072b can be with the transmitting of transmitter 1,022 1038 spaced apart, distances of opening Be transmitter 1022 microwave entrance 1036 and transmitting opening 1038 between measure maximum distance (L) at least about 10%, 25% or 35%.

Fig. 6 a is turned now to, microwave distribution system 514 is shown to further comprise for increasing in microwave heating chamber 520 The uniformity of the microwave field of generation and/or one or more devices of intensity.For example, in one embodiment, microwave distribution System 514 may include be designed to change and/or control the structure of microwave field generated in each heating zone 580a-c it is dry Disturb the position of band and one or more devices of intensity, the interference fringe be respectively defined in transmitter to 522a and 522f, Between 522b and 522e and 522c and 522d.In one embodiment, this kind of device, which can be, can be used to make through this The phase shifting equipment of the phase loop displacement of the microwave energy of device, the device 530 schematically shown such as Fig. 6 a.

When transportation system 540 of the article 550 in microwave office 520 moves, in each individual heating zone 580a-c Each article 550 can have at least about 2 seconds, at least about 10 seconds, at least about 15 seconds and/or be no more than big About 1 minute, the average residence time (τ) no more than about 45 seconds or no more than about 30 seconds.In one embodiment, object The average residence time (τ) of product 550 can be greater than the phase shift rate (t) that phase shifting equipment 530 configures.For example, article is by respectively adding The ratio (τ: t) of the phase shift rate of the average residence time and device 530 of a heating zone in the 580a-c of hot-zone can be to Lack about 2:1, at least about 3:1, at least about 4:1, at least about 5:1 and/or be no more than about 12:1, is no more than about 10:1 is no more than about 8:1.

Phase shifting equipment 530 can be for making through the phase of the microwave energy of microwave distribution system 514 quickly and recycling Any appropriate device of displacement.According to one embodiment, phase shifting equipment 530 be may be configured to at least about 1.5 per second Period, at least about 1.75 periods per second or at least about 2.0 periods per second and/or it is per second be no more than about 10 week Phase, about 8 periods and/or the phase shift rate (t) per second no more than about 6 periods per second of being no more than make across phase shift dress The microwave energy displacement set.As it is used herein, term " phase shift rate " refers to the complete phase shift period of completion per second Quantity." complete phase shift period " refers to from 0 ° to 180 ° and back to 0 ° of phase shift.Although microwave distribution system 514 is shown Including single phase shifting equipment 530, but it is to be understood that any appropriate number of phase shifting equipment can be used for the microwave distribution system In 514.

In one embodiment, phase shifting equipment 530 may include that can be used in cylinder with the mobile (example of generally linear Such as, move up and down) plunger type tuner, thus be forced through the microwave energy of the device phase loop displacement.Figure 12 a Two embodiments suitable for plunger type tuner 1130a, 1130b in microwave distribution system 514 are shown with 12b.Figure 12a shows the phase shifting equipment 1130a of single plunger comprising can be used to via automated drive 1136 in single cylinder 1134 One plunger 1132 of interior movement.Figure 12 b shows another embodiment of phase shifting equipment, which includes multi-plunger phase shift Device comprising several are set and corresponds in cylinder 1134a-d and can be used to move in several described cylinders Multiple plunger 1132a-d.Plunger 1132a-d can be driven by single automated drive 1136, and the automated drive 1136 can To be connected to each plunger in plunger 1132a-d via rotation cam axis 1138.Plunger type tuner 1130a, 1130b Any of may be connected to the hookup of such as short slot mixing hookup (not showing in 12a and 12b), and It can be used in microwave distribution system 514 as phase shifting equipment 530 as described above.

Another embodiment of suitable phase shifting equipment is shown in Figure 13 a-e.With phase shift shown in Figure 12 a and 12b Or tuner is compared, the phase shifting equipment shown in 13a-e is rotatable phase shifting equipment.For example, as shown in Figure 13 a-c, One embodiment of the also referred to as rotatable phase shifting equipment 1230 of variable phase short circuit may include limiting the first general rectangular The fixed part 1210 of opening 1212 and the rotatable portion 1240 disposed close to first opening 1212.As depicted in fig. 13 a, Gap 1213 can be limited between rotatable portion 1240 and fixed part 1210, and in one embodiment, microwave choke (not shown) can be at least partially disposed in gap 1213, for preventing microwave energy from fixed part 1210 and rotatable portion 1240 leakages.

Rotatable portion 1240 includes outer cover 1242 and is contained in multiple spaced apart substantially parallel in outer cover 1242 Plate 1244a-d.As depicted in fig. 13 a, outer cover 1242 includes first end 1243a and the second end 1243b, and first end 1243a limits the second opening 1246 of the first rectangular aperture 1212 adjacent to fixed part 1210.Such as the arrow in Figure 13 a 1290, indicated by 1292, rotatable portion 1240, which may be configured to be trapped among, extends through the first opening 1212 and the second opening It is rotated on 1246 rotation axis 1211 relative to fixed part 1210.

If Figure 13 b and 13c are specifically shown, outer cover 1242 has length (L_H), width (W_H) and depth (D_H).? In one embodiment, L_H、W_HAnd D_HAt least one of be at least about 0.5 λ, at least about 0.65 λ, at least about 0.75 λ And/or be no more than about 1 λ, be no more than about 0.9 λ or be no more than about 0.75 λ, wherein λ is that variable phase short circuit 1230 is matched It is set to the wavelength of the microwave energy transmitted between the first opening 1212 and the second opening 1246.In one embodiment, W_HAnd D_H At least one of be at least about 0.5 λ and both without departing from about λ.As Figure 13 a-c is generally illustrated, outer cover 1242 cross-sectional shape is substantially square, so that W_H:D_HRatio without departing from about 1.5:1, be no more than about 1.25:1 or being no more than about 1.1:1.

Fixed part 1210 can be any suitable shape or size, and may include round or rectangle waveguide.? In one embodiment as shown in figure 13d, the first generally rectangular opening 1212 can have width (W_R) and depth (D_R), thus So that W_R:D_RRatio be at least about 1.1:1, at least about 1.25:1 or at least about 1.5:1.The first of fixed part 1210 The width of second opening 1246 of the width and rotatable portion 1240 of opening 1212 is essentially identical, so that ratio W_H:W_RBe to Lack about 0.85:1, at least about 0.95:1 or at least about 0.98:1 and/or is no more than about 1.15:1, is no more than about 1.05:1 or being no more than about 1.01:1.

As Figure 13 a is generally illustrated, each plate 1244a-d can be coupled to the second end 1243b of outer cover 1242, And it can be with the first end towards the direction of the first opening 1212 and the second opening 1244 generally towards outer cover 1242 1243a extends.Each plate 1244a-d can have the L such as Figure 13 b_eShown in extended distance or length, the extended distance or length Degree can be at least about 0.1 λ, at least about 0.2 λ, at least about 0.25 λ and/or be no more than about 0.5 λ, be no more than about 0.35 λ is no more than about 0.30 λ.In addition, one or more plates in plate 1244a-d can as Figure 13 c is specifically shown To be at least about 0.01 λ, at least about 0.05 λ with thickness k, thickness k and/or be no more than about 0.10 λ or be no more than big About 0.075 λ, wherein λ is the wavelength that the microwave energy in outer cover 1242 is introduced into via the first opening 1212.Neighbouring plate 1244a-d can be spaced apart certain intervals distance j, which can be greater than, be no better than or less than each plate thickness Degree.In one embodiment, j can be at least about 0.01 λ, at least about 0.05 λ and/or without departing from about 0.10 λ or Without departing from about 0.075 λ.Therefore, in one embodiment, the plate 1244a-d's being generally illustrated such as the shadow region of Figure 13 c is remote Total inside of the second end 1243b for the outer cover 1242 that the cumulative surface area at end is generally illustrated with the nonshaded area such as Figure 13 c The ratio of exposed surface area can be at least about 0.85:1, at least about 0.95:1 or at least about 0.98:1 and/or not More than about 1.15:1, it is no more than about 1.10:1 or is no more than about 1.05:1.

Variable phase short circuit 1230 may be configured to around rotation axis 1211 at least about 50 turns per minute (rpm), at least about 100rpm, at least about 150rpm and/or be no more than about 1000rpm, be no more than about 900rpm or Speed rotation no more than about 800rpm, as depicted in fig. 13 a.In one embodiment, rotatable variable phase short circuit 1230 At least part of movement can be via the actuator for being coupled to automated drive and/or automatic control system (not shown) 1270 execute.In another embodiment, at least part of movement can be by manually performing, and optionally includes one section Time it is non-rotating.

The additional implementation of other rotatable phase shifting equipments 1233 and 1235 of the microwave distribution system 514 suitable for Fig. 6 a Example is shown respectively in Figure 13 e and 13f.As shown in the embodiment in Figure 13 e, rotation phase shifting equipment 1233 may include via solid Fixed pole 1239 is coupled to the rotation crankshaft component 1237 for the plunger 1241 being arranged in waveguide 1243.In crankshaft component 1237 such as arrow When rotation indicated by first 1261, bar 1239 is convenient for the substantially up and down motion of piston or plunger 1241 in waveguide 1243, such as schemes Indicated by arrow 1263 in 13e.Another embodiment of rotation phase shifting equipment 1235 is shown in Figure 13 f comprising coupling It is connected to the cam 1245 of tappet 1247, can integrate or be coupled to the plunger 1241 being arranged in waveguide 1243 The plunger 1241.When cam 1245 rotates, tappet 1247 makes plunger or piston substantially to move up and down in cylinder 1243 It is mobile, as arrow 1263 is generally indicated that.In addition, rotation phase shifting equipment 1235 can be wrapped further according to one embodiment One or more bias units 1249 moved convenient for plunger 1241 in waveguide 1243 with upwardly direction are included (for example, one A or more spring).

Other than being used as rotatable phase shifting equipment, variable phase short circuit 1230 (or optionally, rotates phase shifting equipment 1233,1235) it can be configured to be used as tuner, such as detuning or cancelling the resistance for being not intended to reflect Anti- tuner and/or as the frequency tuner for the frequency of generator to be matched to cavity frequency.

Figure 14 a is turned now to, one embodiment of microwave distribution system 1314 is shown, wherein 1314 benefit of microwave distribution system Use two variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b as the impedance tuner for cancelling or minimizing reflection power.Such as figure Shown in 14a, each of variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b may be connected to the neighbouring outlet of hookup 1340, be coupled Device 1340 can be short slot mixing hookup.In operation, each of variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b can be independent It is adjusted to desired position, so that impedance tuner is detuned and is reflected back from microwave emitter 1322 to generator 1312 Energy.According to one embodiment, during microwave process, one or both in variable phase short circuit 1330a, 1330b can be with It is further adjusted as needed, to adapt to the variation for the emission ratio for being heated article.In one embodiment, it is described into One successive step can be at least partially by using automatic control system (not shown) to execute.

Variable phase short circuit as described herein is also used as frequency tuner, is used for the frequency and generation of cavity The matching of device frequency.According to this embodiment, one or more variable phase short circuits, as variable phase shown in Figure 14 b is short Road 1330c can be directly coupled to each port being spaced along resonant microwave room 1320.In this embodiment, variable phase Short-circuit 1330c can continuously or contingently rotate, and its position can according in microwave office 1320 variation and/or microwave office The variation of article (not shown) processed manually or automatically adjusts in 1320.This adjustment as variable phase short circuit 1330c As a result, the frequency of microwave energy can closer be matched with the frequency of generator (not shown) in cavity.

Referring again to the microwave heating system 510 shown in Fig. 6 a, for example, by increasing article and surrounding fluid medium Between heat transfer coefficient, may be implemented the article 550 for being transmitted through microwave office 520 more thoroughly and/or more effective heating.It is micro- One embodiment of wave room 1420 is shown in fig. 15 a, is configured to through the heat transfer coefficient in microwave heating chamber 1420 Variation promotes faster and more effectively heating for article 1450.In one embodiment, one or more agitation dresses can be used It sets, at least partially by the gases/gaseous medium or liquid/liquid medium in agitation room 1420, and increases in microwave office 1420 Heat transfer coefficient, such as one or more liquid jet blender 1430a-d of one or more agitating devices, The inside for being configured to for one or more fluid jets being discharged into microwave office 1420 rapidly in.In one embodiment, The fluid jet being discharged into microwave office 1420 can be liquid or steam jet, and can have at least about 4500, extremely Few about 8000 or at least about 10000 Reynolds number.

In structure, fluid jet blender 1430a-d can be arranged to multiple positions in microwave office 1420 Any device of multiple jet streams is discharged towards article 1450 in place.In one embodiment, fluid jet blender 1430 can edge 1417 axially spaced-apart of center elongated axis of microwave office 1420, so that at least part of jet stream is configured to substantially to hang down Directly discharged in the direction of center elongated axis 1417.In another specifically shown embodiment of such as Figure 15 b, one or more Multiple fluid jet blender 1430a-d can be with annular arrangements in microwave office 1420, so that at least part of jet stream It is radially inwardly directed towards the center elongated axis 1417 of room 1420.Although being shown along the circumference of microwave office 1420 in 15b A part be generally continuous, but it is to be understood that fluid jet blender 1430a can also include the circumference along room 1420 At least part multiple and different jet streams radially spaced from each, each different jet streams out of the ordinary are arranged to towards room 1420 1417 exhaust fluid jet stream of center elongated axis.

As shown in fig. 15 a, fluid jet blender 1430a-d can pacify along one or more sides of microwave office 1420 It sets, and can be arranged between one or more microwave emitters 1422 by (alternatively).It is identical in other conditions In the case of, compared with the heat transfer coefficient of static room, it can be made in microwave office 1420 using one or more blender 1430a-d Heat transfer coefficient increase at least about 1%, at least about 5%, at least about 10% between fluid media (medium) and article 1450 or extremely Few about 15%.In identical or another embodiment, one or more jet streams for configuring and/or operating in a similar manner can To be included in other one or more regions of microwave system 10, the microwave system 10 it is one or more other Region includes the previously thermalization range shown in Fig. 1 a and 1b and/or holding area 12 and/or 20.

Referring again to Fig. 1 a and 1b, after leaving from microwave heating area 16, then, the article of heating is optionally sent to Temperature hold zone 20, the article temperature in the temperature hold zone may remain at some minimum threshold temperature or the preceding paragraph Specific residence time.As this holding step as a result, can have more consistent heating from the article that holding area 20 removes Curve and less cold spot.In one embodiment, the minimum threshold temperature in holding area 20 can be with microwave heating area 16 The minimum temperature of interior needs is identical, and can be at least about 120 DEG C, at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 122 DEG C and/or No more than about 130 DEG C, no more than about 128 DEG C or no more than about 126 DEG C.Article transports through being averaged for holding area 20 Residence time can be at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 minutes or at least about 4 minutes and/or be no more than about 20 points Clock is no more than about 16 minutes or is no more than about 10 minutes.Holding area 20 may operate in identical with microwave heating area 16 At pressure, and in one embodiment, can at least partly it be limited in pressurization and/or liquid filled chamber or container.

After leaving from holding area 20, the heating article of microwave system 10 can be introduced sequentially into chilling area 22, at this Article is heated in chilling area can be cooled rapidly via one or more cooling fluids are contacted.In one embodiment, Chilling area 22 may be configured at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 minutes, at least about 3 minutes and/or be no more than big About 10 minutes, it is article is at least about 30 DEG C cooling, extremely in the period no more than about 8 minutes or no more than about 6 minutes Lack about 40 DEG C, at least about 50 DEG C and/or is no more than about 100 DEG C, is no more than about 75 DEG C or no more than about 50 DEG C.Appoint What suitable fluid type is used as the cooling fluid in chilling area 22, including for example previously with respect to 16 institute of microwave heating area Those of description liquid medium and/or gas medium.

According to the one embodiment being generally described in Fig. 1 a and 1b, microwave heating system 10 can also include being arranged micro- The second pressure in 20 downstream of Wave heating area 16 and/or holding area adjusts area 14b, if present.Second pressure adjusts area 14b Can by with previously with respect to similar mode configuration and operation in a manner of described in first pressure adjustment area 14a.Work as second pressure In the presence of adjusting area 14b, the downstream in chilling area 22 can be located at, so that chilling area 22 is big a part of or almost complete Portion's operation is under the high pressure (super-atmospheric pressure) similar with the pressure in microwave heating area 16 and/or the operation of holding area 20.At another In embodiment, second pressure adjustment area 14b can be arranged in chilling area 22, so that a part in chilling area 22 can be with Operation is under the pressure of the super-atmospheric pressure similar with the pressure in microwave heating area 16 and/or holding area 20, and chilling area 22 is another A part may operate under intimate atmospheric pressure.When removing from chilling area 22, cooling article be can have at least about 20 DEG C, at least about 25 DEG C, at least about 30 DEG C and/or be no more than about 70 DEG C, be no more than about 60 DEG C or be no more than about 50 DEG C of temperature.Once removed from chilling area 22, the article through cooling treatment can then be removed from microwave heating area 10, be used In subsequent storage or use.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the operation for controlling microwave heating system 10 is provided, such as to ensure The each article or packaging for transporting through microwave heating system 10 are constantly exposed to one or more in microwave energy Method.The key step of one embodiment of the method 1500 of the operation suitable for control microwave system 10 is by each in Figure 16 A box 1510-1530 describes.

As shown in figure 16, the first step of control method 1500 is the determination as represented by box 1510 and microwave heating area The value of 16 relevant one or more microwave system parameters.The example of microwave system parameter can include but is not limited to be discharged Net power, the temperature and/or flow velocity of the speed of transportation system and the water in microwave heating room.Then, as in Figure 16 Shown in box 1520, for special parameter obtain determine value can then compared with the corresponding target value of identical parameters, so as to Determine difference.Based on the difference, one or more action can be taken, to adjust the operation of microwave system 10, in Figure 16 Block 1530 represented by.In one embodiment, such as when the size of the difference is the target value of specific microwave system parameter And/or when determining at least about 5%, at least about 10% or at least about the 20% of value, microwave heating system 10 can be carried out Adjustment.In one embodiment, automatic control system can be used to execute at least part of the above method.

In one embodiment, the basic step of above-mentioned control method 1500 can be used by microwave heating system 10, with The safety and/or specification compliance for the article (for example, food and/or medical fluid or instrument) for ensuring to be heated in the heating system. According to this embodiment, one or more microwave system parameters can be from by combustion with minimal net power, maximum delivery system speed Degree and water select in the group of minimum temperature and/or minimum flow velocity composition in microwave heating room.In one embodiment, water exists The indoor minimum temperature of microwave can be at least about 120 DEG C, at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 123 DEG C and/or be no more than About 130 DEG C, be no more than about 128 DEG C or be no more than about 126 DEG C, and minimum flow velocity can be per minute at least about 1 plus Logical sequence (gpm), at least about 5gpm or at least about 25gpm.In one embodiment, the maximum speed of transportation system can be It is no more than about 15 feet (fps) each second, be no more than about 12fps or is no more than about 10fps and combustion with minimal net work Rate can be at least about 50kW, at least about 75kW or at least about 100kW.When control method 1500 is for ensuring that product is pacified When complete or compliance, adjusting one or more action that microwave heating system 10 operates be can include but is not limited to, and stop fortune System is sent, one or more generators are closed, removes, be isolated and rerun or be arranged one be exposed under the conditions of not expecting A or more article and combinations of the above.

In identical or another embodiment, the basic step of control method 1500 can also be made by microwave heating system 10 With to ensure to be heated the quality and stability of article (for example, food and/or medical fluid or instrument).It is micro- according to this embodiment Wave parameter may include the temperature and/or flow velocity for discharging net power, the speed of transportation system and water in microwave heating room.? In one embodiment, water can be at least about 121 DEG C, at least about 122 DEG C, at least about 123 in the indoor temperature of microwave DEG C and/or be no more than about 130 DEG C, be no more than about 128 DEG C or be no more than about 126 DEG C, and flow velocity can be per minute extremely About 15 gallons (gpm) few, at least about 30gpm or at least about 50gpm.In one embodiment, the speed of transportation system It can be controlled in the speed of at least about 5 feet (fps) of each second, at least about 7fps or at least about 10fps, and arranged Putting net power can be at least about 75kW, at least about 100kW or at least about 150kW.When control method 1500 is for true Protect product quality or when stability, one or more action for adjusting the operation of microwave heating system 10 may include but not It is limited to, stops delivery system, close one or more generators, remove, be isolated and rerun or be arranged and be exposed to the not phase One or more articles and combinations of the above under the conditions of prestige.

In order to execute the comparison step 1520 for the method 1500 being shown in FIG. 16, join for microwave system discussed above One or more target values of at least one parameter in number can be determined before the article in heating microwave system 10. The determination of the size of these target values can be first by producing for the certain types of article heated using small microwave system Defined heating curves is given birth to realize.For example, in one embodiment, one or more specific type articles are (for example, especially It is food, medical device or medical fluid) it is loaded first into the microwave office of small microwave heating system.Implement at one In example, the article for being loaded onto small-sized heating room can be single type, so that the obtained regulation heating determined Curve can be applied particularly to the article of the type in relatively large heating system.In one embodiment, article can be packet Fill food specified type and/or size (for example, 8 ounces of MRE pork pies fill) or can be packaging medical fluid (for example, Salt water) or specified type and/or packaging medical treatment or dental equipment.

Once being loaded onto the microwave office of small microwave heating system, which can be by via one or more Microwave energy is introduced into room and is heated by microwave emitter.It may include this heating period of heating for multiple times operation, Regulation heating curves can be determined for being heated article.As it is used herein, term " regulation heating curves " refers to The target value combination of proposed or recommendation various parameters when heating specified type of items.Other than including target value, rule The function of position of time and/or article can also be at least partly expressed as by determining heating curves.In one embodiment, it advises Determine at least one target value that heating curves may include one or more microwave system parameters, the microwave system parameter packet Include but be not limited to discharge net power, microwave power order-assigned (that is, the discharge specified related timing of microwave energy, position And amount), temperature and/or flow velocity and/or article of the fluid (for example, water) in microwave office be in the indoor residence time of microwave.This Outside, it is specified that heating curves can also include related to the thermalization range 16 of microwave heating system 10, holding area 20 and/or chilling area 22 One or more parameters (for example, the flow velocity of temperature, fluid, pressure and article residence time) target value or minimum Value.

Once defined heating curves is determined, multiple the type articles can be loaded into relatively large microwave heating system In, and curve is provided then according to determined by small microwave system, optionally heated using automatic control system.? In one embodiment, small microwave heating system can be interval (batch) or semi-batch (semi-batch) system and/or can To include that the liquid with total internal capacity less than 100 cubic feet, less than 50 cubic feet or less than 30 cubic feet is filled out Fill microwave office.In identical or another embodiment, large-scale microwave system can be micro- at least partially in pressurization or liquid filling The continuously or semi-continuously process executed in wave room, wherein the pressurization or liquid filling microwave office have at least about 100 cubic feet pers Ruler, at least about 250 cubic feet or at least about 500 cubic feet of total internal capacity.If it is desired, above-mentioned steps can be with It is then repeated many times, to generate the particular specification heating curves of any different number of articles.Then, above-mentioned one or It is determined and uses in the comparison step 1520 for the method 1500 that the target value of more parameters can be shown in FIG. 16.This Afterwards, it is based on the difference, one or more action listed above can be taken, to ensure the consistent heating of final products.

The one aspect for ensuring unanimously to heat is to ensure that constant and measurable power is discharged into heating zone.At one In embodiment, the method for controlling the net power being discharged into microwave heating system 10 is provided.As it is used herein, term " discharge net power " refers to the difference in waveguide or transmitter between forward power and reflection power.As it is used herein, Term " forward power " refers to the power propagated with anticipated orientation from generator to load, and term " reflection power " refers to With the power that unexpected direction is propagated, which, which is usually power, is returned in waveguide or transmitter from load and towards hair The direction that raw device is propagated.

The method for determining the net power being discharged from least one microwave emitter using two pairs or multipair directional coupler 1600 key step is summarized in the flow chart in Figure 17.As represented by block 1610 and 1620, the first and second discharges are net Performance number can be determined by using two pairs of independent directional couplers.Each pair of directional coupler may include for measuring One hookup of forward power and another hookup for measuring reflection power, and for calculating difference to provide One or more device or systems of corresponding first and second discharges net power value.According to one embodiment, at least one Net power value can be used for adjusting or controlling the output of microwave generator, and other net power values are used as other values Backup or verifying.

Once obtaining described value from each pair of hookup, first and second net power value can be compared, to determine difference, As shown in box 1630, and it is based on the difference, can take action to the operation for adjusting microwave heating system, such as box 1640 It is shown.In one embodiment, it when difference exceeds predetermined value, can take action, such as the predetermined value can be elder generation At least about 1%, at least about 2% or at least about 5% value of the first and/or second net power value of preceding determination.One In a embodiment, when difference be the minimum value in the first and second net power values at least about 1%, at least about 2% or extremely When few about 3%, it can take action.In another embodiment, if first or second net power value drop below it is pre- When determining minimum value and/or exceeding predetermined maximum, it can take action.It is at least partially dependent on article to be processed and identified Difference, the action can include but is not limited to, and when difference exceeds predetermined value, shut down generator or transportation system, increase or Reduce generator output, and/or remove, isolation and setting or rerun be arranged on it is one or more in microwave heating room A article.

Microwave heating system of the invention can be the commercial size that bulky items are capable of handling in relative short time Heating system.It is described herein compared to the conventional boiling vessel and other mini-systems for heating multiple articles using microwave energy Microwave heating system may be configured to realize every strip transmission line road at least about 15 packagings, every strip transmission line roads per minute At least about 25 packagings or every strip transmission line road are per minute per minute at least about 20 packagings, every strip transmission line roads per minute The gross production rate of at least about 30 packagings, this is far beyond the achievable rate of other microwave systems.

As it is used herein, term " number of package per minute " is referred to according to following procedure, it can be by giving microwave The total quantity of 8 ounces of MRE (diet that preparation is eaten) packaging of the whey gel filling of heating system processing: can be from Ameriqual The commercially available 8 ounces of MRE filled with whey gel pudding of group company (city Evans Wei Er of Indiana, USA) Packaging is connected to multiple temperature probes, which originates from the geometric center of packaging, along x-axis, y-axis and z-axis It is placed in pudding at five equidistant positions at each axis interval, as shown in figure 18.Then, the packaging be placed on to In the microwave heating system of assessment and it is heated until each probe instruction temperature on specified minimum temperature (for example, being used for 120 DEG C of decontamination system).Realize time required for this kind of temperature curve and physics and dimension information about heating system The gross production rate for calculating number of package per minute can be then used in.

Above-mentioned preferred form of the invention is only used as example to be used, and therefore, is not applied to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can obviously modify exemplary embodiments mentioned above, without departing from spirit of the invention.

The present inventor states its purpose according to doctrine of equivalents, to determine and assess reasonable fair scope of the invention, this hair Bright range deviates from literal scope of the present invention but appointing beyond the literal scope described in appended claims comprising essence What device.

Claims

1. it is a kind of for heating the microwave system of multiple articles, the system comprises:

It is configured to receive the microwave office of the article；

Pass through the transportation system of the microwave office for transporting the article along transport axis；

First microwave emitter is configured to travel to microwave energy in the microwave office along the first center transmitting axis,

Wherein at least 2 ° and the first transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at first center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis；And

Second microwave emitter, second microwave emitter are configured to emit axis along the second center and propagate microwave energy Into the microwave office,

Wherein at least 2 ° and the second transmitting inclination angle no more than 15 ° be limited at second center transmitting axis with perpendicular to Between the plane of the transport axis,

And wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are placed in the opposite side of the microwave office On.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein first center transmitting axis and second center emit axis It is parallel to each other.

3. system according to claim 1, wherein first microwave emitter and second microwave emitter are phases To what is faced.

4. system according to claim 1 further comprises for generating the microwave energy with main wavelength X extremely A few microwave generator, wherein first microwave emitter is limited for microwave energy to be discharged into the microwave office At least one transmitting opening, wherein transmitting opening has width W₁With depth D₁, wherein W₁Greater than D₁, wherein D₁It is no more than 0.625λ。

5. system according to claim 4, wherein transmitting opening is thin on the extending direction of the transport axis Long.

6. system according to claim 4, wherein first microwave emitter includes entrance and is used for microwave energy Two or more transmitting openings being discharged into the microwave office, wherein each of the two or more transmittings opening Be open the depth having less than 0.625 λ.

7. system according to claim 4 further comprises setting between the microwave office and transmitting opening At least one saturating microwave window.

8. system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave office is compression chamber, the compression chamber is configured to operate in At least under the pressure of 15psig.

9. system according to claim 1 further comprises the thermalization range positioned at the upstream of the microwave office, the heat Change area to be configured to before the article introduces the microwave office, the temperature for adjusting the article has the article Temperature in mutual 5 DEG C.

10. system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave system be configured for food, medical fluid and/or The disinfection of medical instrument, and wherein the microwave office is liquid filling.